Guest Post: Is Rose Gold the Right Choice for Your Engagement Ring?

by Pammy Rosen

Choosing an engagement ring is a big, fun decision. There are enough choices available to suit practically any personal style. One type of ring you may not have noticed is a rose gold ring and it might be exactly the right look for you! Rose gold is also sometimes called pink gold or red gold and the shade varies depending on how ring is made.

Pure gold is much too malleable for making jewellery, so all gold used to make rings is mixed with some other type of metal in order to make it stronger. What is used to create that stronger alloy will change the colour of the gold. Palladium, nickel, silver and copper are commonly used. The dark, reddish colour of copper is what gives rose gold it's lovely pink tint.

Coloured gold seems to go in and out of fashion, so if you are a trend-follower you may want to be cautious in your choice. Most people wear their engagement rings as part of the wedding set, so you want something you will love for the rest of your life. If you are looking for something unique and romantic, you should consider rose gold.
Delicate filigree rings are often made of rose gold, as the pink colouring and intricate designs work well together. Celtic and Claddaugh rings also incorporate rose gold and offer unusual and interesting options for engagement rings. Inlaid designs also sometimes incorporate rose gold. If you want an engagement ring that is uniquely yours, rose gold is certainly an option.

Rose gold is not as popular as yellow or white gold, therefore, it can sometimes be difficult to find. If you like the look, with its subtle, romantic colour, you may want to investigate antique rings, independent jewellers or consider having a ring custom designed for you. Should you decide you want rose gold incorporated into your ring, but you don't want a completely pink ring, a customized ring would allow the jeweller to use rose gold to create the setting for your diamond, or to use it around the edges of the ring or as part of an inlay.
Although copper is not an expensive metal, the rarity of rose gold can make it a bit more costly. Should you choose to have your engagement ring custom designed it will cost more as well. However, you are investing in a piece of jewellery you will wear for many years so it would be wise for it to be beautiful, symbolic of your feelings and worthy of the test of time.

 

Pammy Rosen is a freelance writer for My Jewelry Box, a North American online jewelry store. For all your jewelry needs, visit myjewelrybox.com

 

Image curtesy of myjewelerybox.com

GIVEAWAY alert: chic additions to your home and a few pretty temptations

Those of you who’ve been following newfashiontodayblog for a while, probably remember that I have a soft spot for pretty cups and tableware, so when I was offered to tell you about a company who sells these (and many more) things I was too tempted to resist. CSN online shops are like an on-line mega superstore where you can spend hours and hours browsing and choosing beautiful pieces for your home, from tiny additions like cutlery, pretty cups and coasters to more substantial ones like furniture and lights.

Needless to say that my first stop was in the tableware section where I was happy to find my favourite Guzzini babies (these cups are super adorable and make me smile every time I use them) and Le Creuset cookware (LOVE the orange pieces)  that are now a part of my kitchen and make my cooking hours even more enjoyable.

What I also liked about this particular store is that it has something for every style, from classics to art-deco to shabby chic to super modern. The furniture and lights can also suit every taste and budget.

Sounds good, right? Now the best part or the actual giveaway. :) CSN kindly offered to give voucher to one of my lucky readers from UK, USA, CANADA or GERMANY. The value of the gift voucher is 30 in a currency of your country.

All you need to do is to visit CSN UK, CSN USA/CANADA or CSN GERMANY and leave a comment here saying what your dream buy would be. The giveaway closes in 7 days and the winner will be picked on Monday 21 June 2010 with a help of random.com IMPORTANT: unless you choose a “FREE DELIVERY” item you still need to cover P&P costs.

Good luck, darlings!!!

xxx

Images via: ELLE Feb 2009, CSN stores, Vogue Italia May 2008, Vogue US 2005

Lavender cottage jewellery and GIVEAWAY

Have you ever dreamed of keeping that beautiful dew drop you saw on a leaf in the morning, or capturing sun rays so that you could enjoy their glow any time you need some, or adorn your fingers with a few rain drops? Well, I did... So when I saw Lavender Cottage jewellery on Etsy I knew it was exactly what I've been looking for. Cheryl who creates these incredibly delicate stunning pieces turned out to be a wonderfully warm and interesting person. I was excited when she agreed to answer a few questions for Fashion Titbits! So this is my very first interview, which, I hope, you will enjoy.

Cheryl, can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I've just celebrated my first anniversary as a full time metalsmith. I quit my day job in September 2008 to work on my art full time, and I am so happy to be able to make a living doing what I love. My three parrots, my cat and my dog love it too, as I am always home! I live in northeast Tennessee in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains near the Appalachian Trail. I try to get out and hike as often as possible to offset all the hours I spend at the bench.

On your blog you said that "making jewellery is a labour of love" for you. What first inspired you to become a jewellery designer and how did you learn how to do what you do?

A friend of mine gave me a pair of lovely little earrings that were quite unusual. When I asked her where in the world she had found them, she told me she had made them. From that moment on, I knew that I would make jewelry! I started out making earrings with purchased components, then learned how to make necklaces and bracelets. About 5 years ago I took a class in fusing fine silver, which was my introduction to the torch, and I fell in love with metalsmithing, and have never looked back. I am mostly self-taught - I have a million books on metalsmithing and various other jewelry making techniques. I also attend an annual artists retreat most years, where we all share skills - that's where I first learned to solder, and where I was introduced to anticlastic raising and fold-forming, which have become my two favorite techniques along with making various hammer textures such as ruffles.

Where does the name Lavender Cottage come from?

I live in a little cottage-style house, built in 1935, and have filled my gardens with lavender, which I love to grow.

What is your design process like?

I am always thinking about designs, and I keep notebooks where I make drawings of ideas. I often wake up with an idea, so keep a notebook right next to my bed, too. My mind is just filled with jewelry ideas - I think I have more than I could ever get made in my lifetime, but if I didn't write them down I'd forget them! However, there are days when I sit down at the bench and my mind goes blank - that's when I go get my trusty notebooks, lol! I also have a very messy workbench because I tend to keep things at hand to 'play with' for ideas. Oftentimes pieces and parts will be tinkered with off and on for weeks, and then one day they just come together and turn into a new design.

Do you remember the very first piece of jewellery you made?

I can't remember the first beaded piece I made, but I definitely remember every detail of my first metal piece! It was an abstract triangle pendant made from the corner of a piece of copper sheet that I sawed off to try out my brand new jeweler's saw.

What have been some of your favorite jewelry pieces you've created and why?

When I first learned to fuse, I made a Southwestern style pendant with a little gecko and a turquoise nugget. I used to live in the desert, and this piece reminds me of the desert. I am also partial to dragonflies and labradorite is my favorite stone, so a necklace of lovely chunky labradorite beads with a dragonfly wrapped onto a hammered spiral is another favorite piece of mine.

What elements do you need for inspiration?

Stones are my biggest inspiration. I have piles of them and keep then close at hand while I'm working at the bench. I also have piles of metal scrap that I 'doodle' with while I'm working on orders.

What are you creative plans for this autumn?

More fold formed leaves of copper and silver, plus a new 'celestial lights' series featuring stars and moons. I just made a new necklace design with a filigree brass star centered with a labradorite that I just love.

Cheryl, thank you so much for taking your time to answer these questions. It's been a real pleasure to learn more about you.

I'd also like to say a special thank you to Cheryl for offering my readers a very beautiful giveaway.

This silver pendant is called "La Petit Buttercup" and can be yours if you enter by leaving a comment here. You will need to be a follower and you can also enter twice to increase your chances. The winner will be selected via random.org. The competition is open worldwide and ends on 10 October 2009. The winner will be announced on Sunday, 11 October 2009. Good luck!

Images via LavenderCottage

Express youself

Love Magazine

Looking for a new way to express yourself? Then printed t-shirts can be the answer you are looking for. It's so simple. All you have to do is to find the one that goes with your personality and show or says what you've got on your mind. Just remember that first impression is the one that counts big time.

Fashion designers seem to love this trend as it keep coming back every season and is definitely going to be trendy next summer, too.

If you still cannot find the one and only tee or a vest, then you can, of course, have a bespoke one. How chic and special does this sound! All you need to do is to find a photo, illustration or phrase you absolutely adore or live by, visit IndigoClothing, a company that specialises in customised t-shirt printing and works with organic cotton (so you can be one of the people who actually care for the environment), choose your future garment (trust me, you will be spoilt for choice!) and whether you want a print or embroidery and voilà! It's done and will be with you within 7 working days. I think it's a fabulous idea and am going to get one of my own creations soon. I'll keep you posted.

In a meantime, enjoy some of the editorial photos and a few designer looks and be inspired!

Diane von Furstenber Pre-fall 2009. Emilio Pucci Resort 2010.

Vogue Italy 2009

Vogue Brazil
Diesel Black Gold Spring 2009. Vivienne Westwood Fall 2009.

Know Magazine

Bernhard Willhelm Fall 2009. Stella McCartney Resort 2010.

Numero Tokyo March 2009

Victoria's Secret

Vogue UK 2009
DSquared2 Fall 2009. Topshop Unique Spring 2009

Elle US 2005

Cosmo China 2008

Vogue Paris 2005

D&G Fall 2009. Twenty8Twelve Fall 2009

Vogue Paris 2009

Vogue Paris 2009

Photos via style.com and nymag.com

Timelessly yours: Michele Watches

A beautiful watch is like a piece of jewellery with added function. It's a true statement that reflects your personality and style.

The individuals who create the Michele Watches Collection strongly believe that each Michele Watch should express the cutting edge of fashion. Their international designers create unique product for a world market and strive to provide quality and value. Every step, from the drawing board to assembly to presentation, is completed with the most mindful attention to detail. It is Michele's belief that each loyal customers has learned to expect only the best from Michele Watches.

The history of the brand begins in Belgium in the 1940's with watchmaker Maurice Barouh's strong belief in quality and refinement. Watches were his expression of choice. His designs are a reflection of his beliefs in craftsmanship, styling and quality. Maurice ultimately passed his passion on to his son Jack.

Operating in the Latin American arena, Jack Barouh proceeded to gain fame as an individual with a keen eye for trends and a dedication to detail. Expressing his heritage, Jack proceeded to design "winners" time and again.

The creation of Michele Watches came with the birth of Jack and Rita's first child, Michele. At first, children's watches were produced; colorful bright pieces that were extremely well received. The success of this product line awakened an interest in building a brand. Miami Florida was chosen as the platform for the launch of Michele Watches and the "MW Collection". In the year 2000 the third generation of Barouh's joined the company, Michele, followed by Jeremy Barouh in 2002. The introduction of the "MW Collections" featuring the CSX-Diamond Chronographs proved to be the collection that would propel Michele Watches to fame in the USA. "American Time " magazine has called Michele "a watch market star!"

These days MW include nine stunning collections, from sporty "Sail collection" and modern "Coral" to joyful and very unique "Tropical paradise". A strong tradition of quality and design combined with a keen sense of detail and sophistication are the forces that have made Michele Watches a major player in the watch industry. It is with great pride that this tradition continues.

To view the entire collection and find your own special treasure, visit Michele watches.

All images via Michele watches.

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