The Meaning of Pearls

Freshwater pearl necklace with Crystal Pave Ball
Monsieur Pamplemousse

Pearls are considered timeless, elegant, and often a staple of the sophisticated.   They're unique in that they come straight from the sea and do not require polishing to reveal their natural beauty.  At weddings, pearls are often a gift passed down from grandmothers to mothers to daughters to wear as they walk down the aisle. But why?  Pearls are one of the oldest jewels, often gifted to brides because of they symbolize purity,  innocence, and some say pearls prevent crying.  So how was the tradition started?  According to PearlOasis.com...

In the Rigveda, an ancient Hindu book dating back to 1000 B.C. Krishna, the preserver, brought forth pearls from the depths of the sea to give to his daughter on her wedding day. Thus started the tradition of giving pearls to the bride.

We often see pearls adorning the necks of women and clothing of men in paintings throughout history - Queens of England are some of the most popular subjects.  We all remember Anne Boleyn's pearl necklace with a dangling "B" (left), especially after it was replicated on the hit show The Tudors.  In fact, the Tudor Era of the 1500s, The American Gem Society calls the "pearl age." 


Queen Elizabeth II's even donned strands of creamy pearls worn when she wed Prince Phillip in the world's first ever white wedding gown.  There's also the famous painting that inspired The Girl with the Pearl Earring.  Check out this great article on pearls throughout history for more info, it also sheds light on how pearls became as popular as they are now:

The invention of the technique used to create cultured pearls made them more widely available and more affordable in the 20^th Century. Until then, large natural pearls were outrageously expensive and were worn only by the upper classes (although delicate seed pearls were much loved by women in the middle class). 

10mm white glass pearl and grey pearl necklace

Monsieur Pamplemousse

The pearl's long association with royalty has given them an aura of good taste and sophistication, and their widespread availability has made them a popular choice for jewelry making and wearing.  I love the look of pearls whether wrapped around the neck, worn on the ears, wrists, or even pinned into the hair.  It's hard to go wrong with pearls, especially if your occasion calls for a touch of sophistication.


How many pearl jewelry pieces do you own?


~Kirsten
Adapted from a piece originally written for "Everything but the Dress"

Accessorizing the Bridesmaid Dress

Photo from Ruffled Bridal Blog

Congratulations!

You're a bridesmaid in a wedding, the bride picked out a dress (or maybe let you pick your own?), and isn't buying you cheap, matching baubles to wear on her big day.  Hooray, but now you're tasked with selecting jewelry to wear with your bridesmaid dress.  How do you choose?  Follow our five tips for picking out the perfect jewelry to match your dress.

1.  Do what the bride says.  While you may have escaped getting a monogrammed necklace with your maiden name on it, you still do have to play by the rules.  If the bride asked you to only wear stud earrings or abstain from wearing a chunky necklace, you should comply.  It's not worth risking your friendship for an accessory.

2.  Pick something tasteful.  While you may be known for your collection of Lego jewelry or never seen without a skull and cross bones, it may not be the best choice on someones wedding day.  Think about what you liked on your wedding day or what you someday would want your bridesmaids to wear - if your favorite piece doesn't fit into that picture, skip it.

3.  When in doubt, match colors.  If you're unsure what color to wear, keep it simple and match the dress color.  Pink dress, wear colors in that family: magenta, rose pink, red, etc.  You can never go wrong with a simple chain necklace or earrings and colored gems - like the 14k gold filled necklace below, which dangles a Bordeaux coin pearl.

4.  Stick to two accessories.  While sometimes more IS more, at a wedding where you're not in the spotlight, it's best to stick to jewelry in moderation.  Pick a bracelet and earrings or necklace and earrings, not all three unless they're really subtle.  Let the bride have her moment.

5.  Wear what you love.  Don't forget weddings are supposed to be joyous occasions.  Wear jewelry you love and feel comfortable in as you'll be immortalized in photos for years to come.  Try on any new jewelry and wear it around the house for a while to make sure it feels comfortable and you're happy with your choice.

What jewelry are you wearing to your summer 2012 weddings?

~Kirsten

Jewelry and Shoe Pairings

Photo from Tampa Bay & Co.

We all know about wine pairings, but what about jewelry pairings?  For summer days when your shoes are in focus just as much as your jewelry, it's important to think about how they work together.  Here are some fun jewelry and shoe pairings that we love from the current collections of Monsieur Pamplemousse and current shoe collections.

BCBG Landee pump in Mojave pairs perfectly with the cut outs of this yellow/white fire agate necklaces.  The contrast between the angular cutouts of the shoe and the amorphous cutouts of the necklace make sure this pairing isn't too matchy matchy.

Embrace the sunny, Earthy nature of these Classic Yellow Crochet Toms by pairing it with an equally Earth-inspired fire agate cuff.  This pair is perfect for a concert in the park or street fair.

Echo the curve of the pretty lace bow on these Valentino Lace Pumps with roundness of this Mistura necklace.  Created with oxidized silver, gold tone, and gunmetal rings, it keeps these shoes from looking too frou-frou.

Fresh water pearls meet Badgley Mischka.  A perfect pairing of classics for brides.  You can say "I do" in style.

What would summer be without wedges?  Pair these poppy polka dots from BC Footwear with the round baubles of Alex's Czech glass and antique brass necklace.  Pop on both of these and you'll look perfect strolling through the local farmer's market.

How often do you match your jewelry to your shoes?
~Kirsten

What to Wear: 5 Tips for Wearing Jewelry with Swimsuits

Welcome to the first of a new series - What to Wear?  We'll take common accessorizing conundrums and help you through them.  First up - the swim suit!

Photo from Agendamag.com

Swim suits don't have to be bare!  If you're planning a day at the beach, a backyard pool party, or sipping cocktails poolside at a resort, throw on some jewelry with that swim suit!  You think about your sunglasses and footwear, so why not continue to accessorize.  Here are our top five tips for selecting your beach wear jewelry:

1.  Look for jewelry that is low maintenance and matches the feeling of your swim suit.  If your suit is all black class it up with something gold like this yellow/white fire agate necklace from Alex's new Mistura Collection.  Something with a little length is nice because it gives you the versatility to wear it long or short.

2.  Bracelets are a girl's, or a boy's, best friend.  Stacked bracelets that you can stash in your bag when its time to get your swim on are a must.  Stack them in odd numbers for the best look, 3, 5, or even 7 if they're small enough.  Choose contrasting colors to your suit for extra pop.  Above, orange and black acai berry seeds and turquoise beads on waxed cotton string with pave crystal balls.

3.  Make a layered statement.  If you want jewelry you can wear in the pool, opt for short pendant necklaces.  You can even wear two or three at a time if the lengths are complimentary.  Above, a simple silver chain holds an oxidized silver ring, currently available at Embellish Boutique.

4.  Keep the earrings simple.  The carefree feeling of beach season demands simple, unfussy earrings.  Leave the chandeliers for the after dinner party and put on a pair of short, simple stunners.  Studs are universally flattering, but drop earrings under 2" also look good.  I think these Chrosphase and hammered gold disks are perfect!

5.  Pick one or two, not all three.  Since you want to keep it casual don't wear earrings, necklaces, AND bracelets.  Just pick one or two and skip the third.  Bracelet stacks and a necklace, a long necklace and simple studs, or even just a pile of necklaces.  The possibilities are endless.  Above, two leather and fresh water pearl bracelets.

Don't forget to put sunscreen on at home (out of the sun application is most effective anyway) and let it dry before you add on your jewelry.  If you plan on doing serious swimming, it's best to take your jewelry off so the chlorine in pools doesn't tarnish your pieces.  Stash them in a cute jewelry roll in your beach bag.  Most important?  Just remember to have fun - it is supposed to be a day at the beach after all.

~Kirsten

Music and Art Meet Culture Fest

 Join us this Sunday at a special Chicago event: Music and Art Meet Culture Fest!  On Sunday, May 20, 2012 Monsieur Pamplemousse will be at this event with our collection of jewelry.  Stop by our table to see Alex's new "Mistura Collection" and grab a piece or two for yourself  The event promises to be a "mind blowing multi-sensory experience.  Shopping, live music, free drinks and bites, and even free glowsticks.  Open bar, free appetizers, and sweets from 6:15-7:15.

On Sunday, May 20, 2012, 5:00pm at Congress Theater
Address: 2135 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago , IL | Cost: $10 | $15 cash at the door


Sponsored by My Daily Escape and Myhabanero.com.  Buy Tickets and then let everyone know you're coming on facebook. 

Traveling with Jewelry: Storage Solutions

The summer travel season is almost upon us!  With Memorial Day Weekend kicking off the summer season of BBQs, graduations, family reunions, and weddings, you'll probably be traveling somewhere in the next few months.  Of course, you'll want to look your best at all the photo worthy events, so packing jewelry is a must.  So how do you travel with your precious gems?

Keeping jewelry in pristine condition is the most important.  You want to avoid tangled necklaces, broken bracelets, and lost earrings, so make sure your jewelry has appropriate cases for traveling.  Don't just stash them in with your cosmetics, opt for soft sleeves, jewelry roles, hard cases or more creative solutions.  Here are some of my favorite ways to travel with jewelry:

Creative Storage
I found this idea in Real Simple Magazine and loved it.  "Travel is best done in pairs (think of Lewis and Clark or Thelma and Louise).   To keep a set of earrings together on your next overnight jaunt, fasten them to a button so they won't get lost in your suitcase."  Love this idea.  Use over sized buttons for studs and bigger pairs and toss them in a special compartment in your suitcase or a baggie in your carry-on, or sew a couple buttons onto your jewelry roll for extra storage.
Photo Above from RealSimple.com

Jewelry Roll or Portfolio
This is the classic choice for most travelers.  A jewelry roll does just that, a large fabric pouch pockets sewn in rolls up and gets tied together.  These are often given as bridesmaid gifts in weddings when the bride is gifting everyone with jewelry.  Chinatown is a great place to find pretty, inexpensive jewelry rolls.  Or try a Travel Portfolio: a flat, usually snap closure with compartments inside.  Try the Quilted Lucia Travel Jewelry Portfolio from the Container Store, I love that it has a strap for earrings and rings as well as a zippered pouch.

Upcycled Containers
For an easy do-it-yourself option, consider upcycling a container you have lying around.  Altoid tins make great jewelry cases - just pop in some soft, scrap fabric to line the inside.  Try carrying necklaces in a old makeup compact or attach fabric to the back of a small photo frame and pierce earrings through it.  For the jewelry-aholic,  take a vintage suitcase or hat box and convert the inside for dedicated jewelry storage.
Photo from Grains of Earth

Pouches and Sachets
If you're only traveling for a few days, a simple pouch will do the trick.  You can reuse the pouches your jewelry came in with your purchase or opt for a fold-over style.  These are small enough they can be tucked in a carry on or in your makeup bag without any problem.  The Left Bank Jewelry (who carries Monsieur Pamplemousse Jewelry!) sells these pretty Silk Bijoux Envelopes that can be embroidered with your initial - a great idea if you have multiple women in your household who don't want their jewelry confused.

No matter how your jewelry travels, make sure it's with love!  You want everything to arrive in one piece.  How do you tote your jewelry?

~Kirsten

Mistura: New "Mix" Collection

Alex created a new collection of simple, subtle, yet still stunning jewelry yet again.  The collection: Mistura.  Meaning mixture is Portuguese, it's a collection of mixed metals and stones and it's perfect for summer!  Pop on a long necklace with a bikini and sarong or wear one dangling at your collar bones for a backyard bbq.  Your summer jewelry should be like summer itself: easy and breezy.  See what Alex said about his new jewelry collection:

"I had so much fun creating this collection. Mistura is Portuguese for mix, which I think it's appropriate for this collection. I mixed different metal, stones and techniques. I hope you enjoy this collection. Obrigado!"

See some of my favorite pieces from the collection and then check out more photos on our facebook page.  I love how the mixed metals will make these pieces transition gracefully from spring in to summer and summer into fall.  My favorite new necklace?  This sweet blue stoned piece (shown above), created with Gunmetal ring, Blue Chalcedony Briolettes, on Silver Chain.

I love this piece for its versatile possibilities: it could just be fun rings or even a perfect present for a new mom - push present anyone?  It's ingredients: Oxidized Silver, Gold tone, and gunmetal rings interlocked to each other. On silver rolo chain.

I'm a sucker for any clear crystals that catch the light so it's no wonder I love these pink topaz and gold hoop earrings.  I also love the subtle mix of silver attaching the hoops to the hooks.  

These earrings?  Simple and will go with everything!  I can just see them sipping cocktails one day and planting some basil in a pot the next.

Which are your favorite from the new Mistura collection?

~Kirsten

5 Earrings Every Woman Should Own

Multistone Earrings
Moonstone, Whiskey Quartz, Pink Opal, Labradorite,
Blue Chalcedony, Peridot, and Carnelian.

Have you ever had trouble finding the right pair of earrings at complete your outfit?  Building a complete jewelry wardrobe is a must for every woman.   It takes time - but there's no more rewarding feeling than knowing no matter what outfit you put on, you'll be able to accent it with the perfect jewels.  Let's start with earrings.  Almost every outfit can benefit from a pair of earrings, even wearing tiny studs to the gym can brighten up your appearance.

Real or fake, there are five types of earrings that every woman should have in her jewelry wardrobe:

1.  Studs - these can be tiny genuine diamond studs, vintage gold balls, faux crystal ones, colored daisies, anything.  You'll find yourself reaching for studs as a go to when you're not sure what else to wear or as an accent to a killer statement necklace or when you're all wrapped up in a scarf.

2.  Pearls - the classic, the Jackie O. look, pearls have been thought to bring good luck and are often a choice gift for brides to be.  Pearls are the perfect earring of choice when attending formal functions, or anytime you want to look put together and polished.  They can be studs, small drops, or big and bold.  Try them in different colors for a fun twist or look for a vintage pair. These Fresh Water Coin Pearls and Pale Jade fit the bill for a contemporary look.

3.  Small Drop Earrings - For days when you want to wear a little more than studs but not a full on drop earring, small drops are the perfect choice.  Look for something that hangs just off the ear or on a hook up to .5" long like these Fuchsia Pearl and Chrysophase.

4.  Casual and Fun - This is where you can let your imagination run wild.  Pick a pair that matches the colors you like to wear.  The only rule, just make sure they're not too sparkling, you don't want to overwhelm your jeans, like the Carnelian and Silver Links above.  

5.  Show Off Statement - a pair of splashy, fun statement earrings are a must.  These will dress up a little black dress in seconds or add the perfect touch to a cocktail outfit.  We suggest you grab a few pairs of statement earrings to match a slew of different outfits.  These Pyrite and Sterling Silver drop earrings are perfect for dressing up or down.

Bright & Big Stone Statement Jewelry

Real Simple has declared bright and baubley, vibrant stone sparklers to be the latest jewelry trend.  Big, showy jewelry is a perfect match for the spring and summer seasons florals and bright colors.  Mix these baubles with a casual day look for extra sophistication, a pop of color with a little black dress, or as a fun touch to a beach side look.  Check out our favorite big stoned jewelry from Alex's latest collection.

Shown above, a focal bead bracelet - Alex says this of his poppy orange bracelet: "This piece is very special to me. The focal bead is my first bead that I made. I want to say thank you to Dobrilla Pintar for being a wonderful and patient teacher."

Orange Acai Berry Seeds on Waxed Cotton w/ a pave crystal bead, Turquoise Beads on Waxed Cotton w/ pave crystal ball, and Black Acai Berry Seed on waxed cotton w/ pave crystal bead.  Wear them stacked together or one by one.

Carnelian and Blue Chalcedony Earrings

Labradorite and oxidized silver necklace

Will you take Real Simple Magazine's advice and "put on a pair and expect major outfit fireworks?" We agree when they says wearing statement jewelry makes even your plain tank top seem special.  Which one is your favorite?
~Kirsten

Real Gemstone Statement Necklaces

Statement necklaces are still as popular as ever.  Wearing a simple outfit?  Spice up and add a bit of personality to your outfit by wearing bold accessories.  A chunky necklace instantly brings the eye up to the face and can tie together an outfit like nothing else.  Simple necklaces still have their place, but there's nothing like a fun, bold necklace to brighten up any spring or summer outfit.  And while having an inexpensive chunky necklace or two from Forever 21 in your collection is great, you may want something created with more substantial baubles.  Enter the real gemstone statement necklace.  It can spruce up a casual outfit by day, and feel perfectly at home with a cocktail dress at night.

Above, from the Bijoux de Monde collection, meaning "world jewelry," this stunning Gulab Maharani necklace was inspired by beautiful photos from India and created with garnet beads and labradorite briolettes.

The Sweet Maharani was also inspired by India and created with real pink pearls, light Colorado topaz crystal, and pink opal briolettes.

Another stunning necklace to adorn any outfit?  This labradorite and moonstone piece on a 14k gold filled chain.

Try popping on a statement necklace the next time your outfit seems bare.  You may be surprised.  Which one of these pretties is your favorite?

~Kirsten