Fashion Costume Jewellery

Archive for February, 2010

Unlike fine jewellery that tends to have a large price tag, fashion jewellery is an area in which experiments and outrageous pieces can be created or commissioned. Fine jewellery tends to be an investment with some considerable forethought before purchase so I suspect buyers play a little safe in their designs, thinking that they will need to last a long time in order to achieve the value for money.

What fun though to be able to wear a piece simply because you can and just because it feels so right for your mood and outfit. Who says jewellery should be serious?

Here at Rayclif Fashion Jewellery, we tend not to make a large number of outrageous pieces, being very comfortable with our unusual but classic designs. But, check out some of our Beaded Cabochons, all hand beaded and all one of a kind. What do you think? Are they just a little outrageous?

A cool round black onyx cabochon is encased in silver lined seed beeds and fringed by tassels of blue goldstone and clear quartz. Unusual and different, this one of a kind piece also has a removeable necklace for versatility and could be worn as a pin (with a pin attachment).

Check out more details.

Or a little different on the right is our “Twisted Twirls” so named as the necklace is a spiral rope of hundreds of hand beaded silver lined seed beads. If you listen very carefully, the glass beads at the end of the fringe gently clink as you move. Very sensual.

Finally “Desert Sunrise” a hand made glass cabochon again surrounded by glass beads (the beads are from the Czech Republic – they make wonderful glass beads). This piece was inspired by the colours of the outback here in Australia – you will love the depth of colour in this piece.

For more beaded cabochons, please visit us at rayclif.com.

Fashion Jewellery is by name designed to work with the current fashions or trends of the moment, often inspired by catwalk creations, it is often seen to be transitory. In not too distant times, Fashion Jewellery was known as Costume Jewellery – that is jewellery to match your outfit (or costume).

If you see jewellery as transitory, it does not mean that you will wear something that is not well designed or constructed. Quality still matters. A piece of jewellery purchased to enhance an outfit can of course become a firm favourite and stay forever in your jewellery box, particularly in these times where fashions tend to be far more eclectic without the obvious fashion fads we have seen in the past.

Catwalk designers are also seeing a change in buying patterns and we are seeing far more bridging jewellery because of it. Bridging jewellery is where commercial fashion jewellery and the fine jewellery houses meet. Many catwalk designers who are already producing precious metal and gemstone jewellery are also now producing jewellery from acrylic and plated metals. The market for this type of jewellery is growing, even though the jewellery is seen as transitory and even though the jewellery is priced well above a High Street alternative simply because of the brand name attached.

If I was to ask a person on the street what fashion jewellery is made from – I think the first reply would include gold and silver. This fascination with the traditional jewellery metals is understandable. Through the years society has considered gold and silver to be sought after and expensive jewellery components. With the huge increase in the costs of gold and jewellery production and the subsequent increase in the price, gold and silver are becoming less viable for average people. A 24K gold ring, for example is almost out of the question as a “nice to have”; it has become a special occasion purchase – such as engagements, marriages and eternity rings. Gold is often also considered to be “inert” metals and are less likely to react with the wearer’s skin. Silver runs a close second behind in the reaction stakes but because of its lesser cost is becoming more popular than gold.

Fashion costume jewellery is typically jewellery that is in vogue at a particular season and that will enhance your outfit and of course your self esteem and mood. With the growing costs, gold and silver are becoming less viable for the High Street Designer to work with. Cost of course is not the only variable at play here – an item may be highly priced, made from lesser cost materials, but have a designer label which may make it more attractive to a buyer. The design too plays a huge role in the attractiveness of a jewellery item – design of course cannot be costed.

So, where then is the market leading the jewellery designer? As far as metals are concerned, many of the base metals, in particular copper is often fabricated into the jewellery and then coated with rhodium to give it the silver look AND to ward off the evil tarnish or gold plated for the same reasons. Obviously plating can wear through after prolonged wear, but the cost saving in downsizing to a base metal even with the plate can make a piece more transitory and hence more affordable for the fashion market. Rolled or filled gold is also more popular, this is gold where the thickness of the gold is usually not more than 10% of the diameter is gold. This looks and acts like gold and will eventually wear away in constant use (like in 30 years!).

Many of today’s designers are now working in acrylic – witness the cat walks in 2010 where the big names of fashion have brought out mass market acrylic bangles. Although designer, these items certainly do not qualify as fine jewellery, but their price tags of $400+ put them out of the range of the high street fashionista. Naturally other jewellery manufacturers follow suit with the replica and look-alike jewellery groupies all jumping on the band wagon.

Glass too has had a huge following over the last five to ten years. Dichroic glass in particular has been feted and explored by jewellery designers all over the world. Who would have believed that this space race invented material could be quite so decorative?

It is becoming commonplace for a wide variety of components to be used in the making of jewellery. Gemstones still have their lure, the mystic properties draw some to them, diamonds hold the glitter and glamour of a life unlived, but with rising costs and growing scarcities, who can be surprised when simulated gems and cubic zirconia are becoming more popular? The design is probably the single most important aspect of the jewellery – cost and manufacturing materials can possibly be not an objection and lets face it – it is not so much about the cost of the components, but how it makes you feel that truly counts.

Texture is a feature of jewellery that we rarely think about but that plays a huge role in how we think about our jewellery pieces particularly those that fall into the fashion costume jewellery category.

Texture is obvious when we look at a ring (for example), usually the ring shank is smooth and comfortable when we slip it over our finger – imagine what it would be like if it was rough. The top or design of the ring can also vary – glass rings for example are often smooth whereas a stone with a set stone can be rough. The glass ring will not catch on anything and the ring may or may not depending on the surfaces with which it comes in contact.

If a stone is inset it will likely as not feel smoother than one with a prong set, but the setting in which it is inlaid will determine this. Whether the stone is facetted, like this magnificent tiger eye for example, or smooth like the carnelian cabochon makes a difference too. This faceting can affect the way we perceive the stone too – the facetted tiger eye will catch the light, each facet playing on the next, whereas the smooth carnelian will show a depth of colour within the stone.

Pendants too will differ considerably depending on their texture. Consider this hand beaded pendant. The centre is a smooth, well rounded black onyx cabochon. The back is a soft acrylic material, that sits comfortably against your skin. The fringe is made from semi precious stone chips – blue goldstone and white quartz  interspersed with red and blue glass seed beads. The centre radiates a calm presence and is fixed and firm whereas the fringe offers fun and frivolity as well as movement making the piece very eclectic. This textural dichotomy is most interesting. Of course, the constant movement of the fringe also makes for a constantly changing view of the jewellery and unexpected juxtapositions. While the texture of the pendant is part of its visual impact, the pendant will also make soft rustling sounds that are almost inaudible but will become familiar to the wearer.

Also sound making, this shawl pin or brooch will move when you walk, the glass beads softly clinking against each other. The soft rounded smooth shapes of the beads contrasts with the stark pin point and slightly edgy chain. Again this piece reinforces the connection between the wearer and the pin – imagine how it will look on your friends – how different or how comforting would they find this movement? I very often wear pins of this nature in winter on my cardigans, shawls and on my jeans pockets. I have very often heard my friends say they can hear me coming. I love the sound and the movement and the soft rounded shape of the beads.

Our final example of textural dichotomy is this pearl lariat – a huge 2m in length the softly rounded freshwater pearls contrasts to the shell chips and the two textures and shapes are held together with the interspersed glass beads.

As designers become more eclectic in their use of fibres, alternative components and colour in their designs, we will be drawn into the textural debate. As more and more options become available fashion experiences, I believe we will explore jewellery more as a holistic approach than one that splits fashion and fine jewellery.

Is the texture of a jewellery piece interesting only when it is completely one sided or when it has contrasts? What we do know is that two of our five senses (that of touch and hearing) can influence the third sense of sight to create an emotional effect and isn’t that what jewellery is about? I believe that every jewellery designer is subconsciously influenced by these factors and has a passion towards particular textural properties.

Today’s Male can easily become a fashion icon without going OTT (over the top!). Men who feel good no matter what they wear – business suits, casual jackets and designer t-shirts are not proof to some welcome jewellery accessories.

Take hand jewellery for example, the trends are welcoming and widespread, lets explore mens bracelets and mens rings to start with.

The trend in mens bracelets is towards metallic links often with two tone contrasts in strong geometric shapes.

Rhodium and gold plate bracelets are fast overtaking “rubber band” bracelets to show masculinity and maturity.

Worn for day or evening, the bracelet can channel its style from the outfit. See the appeal with a dress suit, then change to jeans and a jacket – versatility plus!

Well groomed nails are further enhanced with a mens dress ring. Again, strong geometric shapes dominate, contrasting areas of enamel bring attention to the hands and a hint of glamour can be added by one or two carefully positioned and discrete cubic zirconia – nothing too bold or brash, just one or two tiny but classic stones.

Just like in the womens jewellery ranges there are a wide variety of price points, from the basic base metal ring, through gold or rhodium plate (fantastic to ward off tarnish) into sterling silver (look for argentium sterling silver, again to avoid the tarnish) and 12 or 14K gold or gold filled. Naturally it is not about price, but about what makes you feel good that matters. Mens jewellery in particular tends towards the classic piece rather than the fancy showpiece – ladies – take note! Timeless and simple designs win over aggressive and trendy fads.

The message? Mens jewellery is here to stay and with fashion jewellery at such inexpensive prices, men can experiment to find the styles that suit themselves.

Want to see more, check our the range of mens rings and mens bracelets at rayclif.com.

Ear Decor can change your life. I remember wearing a particular pair of rather cheap (and looking back, nasty) earrings and something special happened. You know I carted the earrings around for years determined that they played a part in my destiny. Whether or not you believe in good luck talisman earrings or not, you can certainly improve your self esteem and your fashion outfit by selecting a pair of earrings that really suit your face shape.

Having been born with a rather round face, I am always aware of the oval or almond shaped face; this is considered to be (from all my readings) the ideal shape to have been born with. If you have am oval face your face is longer than wide, with an sort of like an upside down egg like shape (that sounds all wrong, let me simply say, then, that your face is widest over the cheek bones), your jaw line can be narrower than your forehead though.

So how can you best enhance an oval face with your earring jewellery? You are very fortunate if you have an oval face because you can wear any shape earring.

Think about wearing round shapes, button or hoop earrings, but triangular shapes are also rather attractive. Dangling earrings look good, just be careful to not make them too long, some very large shoulder dusters will just simply just make you look as if your face is long and slightly out of proportion.

Earrings that move up the ear, perhaps studs or clips with multiple components will minimize a thin face or long nose.

Keep the size of the earring in proportion to the wearer, whether you are petite or large.

You  can of course bring even more attention to your earrings by pulling back your hair or wearing it in an updo.With your  clothing,  wide, open necklines, high collars or turtle necks emphasize the oval face.

Tiffany introduced their beautiful gold and silver key pendants and we are still guessing as to their significance – is it the key to your door or the key to your heart (its worn quite close).

Fashion Jewellery Key Pendant

The Tiffany Keys are delightful, but can be out of the economic range of many readers – so enter the Rayclif key.  A rhodium and/or gold plated version that comes suspended on a chain and gift packaged.

Rayclif are known for creating Fashion Costume Jewellery that is affordable but also well made and ready to team with your fashion outfits. Think Fashion think Rayclif Jewellery.

What are your impressions of this $12.50 jewellery key?

We’ve had a few emails about some of the cubic zirconia rings we have been recently featuring, so here are a few of the exciting right hand cubic zirconia rings we are featuring here at fashion costume jewellery. All are under $40 too – a bonus in this economic climate.

Citrine

Pink Ice

Diamond

My current favourite (until I move to the next Dress Ring!) is this huge 24×18.5mm cocktail ring in either diamond, pink ice or citrine cubic zirconia. Think how amazing this will look when you go out on the weekend. Whether you are clubbing or sipping champagne at the Country Club – adoring eyes will follow your hands.

The price of these stunners – just $39.50. Amazing.

Cubic Zirconia Dress Ring

So now check out my very next favourite (I like to share my favours) – this is an entirely different style an elegant and shimmering ring measuring just  12x8mm across the design. I love the way the three marquis stones nestle together and just sing out style. At just $25.50 this rhodium plated ring is great value. With this different but contemporary and elegant styling this is sure to be a compliment stealer when you wear it.

Cubic Zirconia Dress Ring - Red Passion Flower

For my third choice today, the next ring is passionate and alive, the “passion flower” ring is set with a dark red cubic zirconia and surrounded by petals of gorgeous diamond substitute cubic zirconias. How amazing is this! The whole design measures about 17mm x 17mm and will sit comfortably on your hand surrounded by tarnish resistant rhodium plate setting. I love this – it adds just the right zing when you want to exert your individuality while not overpowering your audience. The price? Just $35.00.

Let us know what you think.