DeVigniDesigns

10 weeks to Christmas

2012-10-13T15:40:00.000+02:00

Can you believe it is just 10 weeks to Christmas! Normally by this time of the year I have bought all my Christmas presents, confirmed who will be visiting us over the Christmas period and planned my menu for our Christmas lunch. Well, needless to say, I have not done a quarter of this! Maybe it is because my plans have changed slightly this year and I will not be at home for Christmas.

However I still have to buy Christmas presents! So pen and paper in hand, I begin to make my gift list! This is the easy part. The next step, which is the hardest, is deciding on a present for each person. This always stumps me. Thus the reason for my early start each year. Another reason for starting early in the year, is that I get to spread the expense over the year or at least over a few months. More money in my pocket over the festive season!

Browse around my online shop, DeVigniDesigns, for fantastic Murano Glass jewelry that will make choosing and buying your Christmas gifts a tad easier.

How to wear a scarf

2012-06-07T17:57:00.000+01:00

A scarf is a fun and functional way to accessorize your wardrobe as well as keep you warm when there is a chill in the air. They are the fastest way to add a pop of color, texture and layering to your outfit.

But how do you tie a scarf? Is there a right and wrong way? Oh, it is all so confusing! Well, I have found out that there are so many cool ways to tie a scarf.

Below is a video from you tube "How to Tie a scarf: 4 scarves, 16 was". It is very easy to follow. You could also check out the website scarves.net for more ways to tie a scarf.

Winter wear

2012-06-07T11:34:00.000+01:00

Winter is upon us in South Africa so everyone is scrambling for warm, comfortable and cozy clothes. The rule of thumb for buying winter clothing that will not go out of fashion is sexy, classy and classic. Buying a few good quality essentials that will last you a good few winters is a great way to save some money. You could always top up your wardrobe with some seasonable fashion items that won't break the bank.

Your "must have" winter wardrobe list must include the following essentials:

A Trench coat that does not go out of style. Try a black, white or khaki or maybe all 3!

A warm casual Jacket for those not so formal days.
Sexy Boots; whether they are ankle boots, mid calf, knee highs, fluffy boots or even cowboy boots. Choose a flat and a high heel boot that you can interchange for various occasions. Stick with black and brown boots that won't go out of fashion. You can always top up your boot collection over time.
Boot leg jeans for a slimmer look
A cozy Knit Sweater to keep the cold at bay
A Turtleneck or polo neck will keep the warmth in and they are relatively inexpensive. I personally stay away from these as I have big girls! No need to emphasis what you already have in abundance.
Scarfs are a good way to introduce some vibrant colors, patterns, textures and sophistication to your outfits. They are they are reasonable inexpensive so keep a few in your wardrobe.
Gloves for those icy fingers! It's not nice shaking cold hands. There are so many choices out there. I prefer an all weather set of gloves. You could have a few sets in various colors and material to mix and match with your outfits.
Leggings or tights to go with your dresses, skirts or even pants.
Hats are good for those bad hair days as Winter takes it's toil on our hair. There are many slouch beanies, berets and head wraps to choose from.
You just cannot forget about that little black dress even in Winter!

Pairing up a few of these essential items will take your outfit from average to fabulous in seconds.

Queen Elizabeth 2 - Tiaras and Hats

2012-06-05T19:07:00.000+01:00

Queen Elizabeth 2 was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary on 21 April 1926 in London, UK to her parents Prince Albert, Duke of York (later King George V1) and Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon. She married her distant cousin, Phillip Mountbatten, Duke of Edinburgh on 20 November 1947. They had four children, Charles, Anne, Andrew and Edward. She became Queen on 6 February 1952 at the tender age of 25 and was crowned on 2 June 1953.

Queen Elizabeth 2, the ever glamorous queen, is celebrating 60 years on the throne this week.

Birthday Gemstones

2012-05-22T13:54:00.000+01:00

A birthday gemstone is also called a birthstone and is associated with the month that we were born in. Birthday gemstones have been given as birthday gifts since ancient times. In fact, it goes back to the times of Moses! From the first century it was said that wearing your birthstone will bring you luck. Where not try it out for a month or more to see if your birthday gemstone does indeed bring you luck!

Month	Birthday Gemstone
January	Garnet
February	Amethyst
March	Aquamarine
April	Diamond
May	Emerald
June	Pearl
July	Ruby
August	Peridot
September	Sapphire
October	Opal
November	Topaz
December	Turquoise

Interesting facts relating to your birthstone:

January - Garnet
Garnet signifies eternal friendship and trust.
The name Garnet comes from the Latin name of pomegranate, granatum. To the ancient world, garnet was a tiny glossy red gem, bursting with fire and brilliance. Garnets are most commonly found in round, oval, and cushion cuts. The versatile Garnet comes in a virtual rainbow of colors, including pink, red, purple, orange, yellow, violet, green, colorless, occasionally black, brown and many shades of red and green. The most common color of garnets is reddish brown.

February - Amethyst
Amethyst is believed to keep the wearer clear-headed
and quick-witted. Treasured by the ancient Romans, Amethyst was worn as a talisman to ward off the intoxicating powers of Bacchus. Amethyst comes from the Greek "amethystos" which means "not drunken." Amethyst is the most highly valued member of the Quartz mineral family and it has purple hues that vary from very pale to dark. The medium-dark to dark tones are considered the most desirable and of course, are quite a bit more expensive than the lighter tones.

March - Aquamarine

Aquamarine is said to cool the temper, allowing the
wearer to remain calm and level headed. It is a gem whose name means sea water, it captures the beauty of the sea. This member of the beryl family, which also includes Emerald, is found in a range of pastel blue and greenish blue shades, from the palest hint to a deep sky blue. The elegant icy color looks as fresh with earth tones as with other paste shades. And it is the perfect accompaniment to grey and navy.

April - Diamond

Diamonds are linked to love, eternity and strength.

They are our most popular gem. They have great brilliance, plus the delightful quality known as fire or dispersion. (This is the ability to take in white light and throw back flashes of color.) Diamonds are graded into dozens of catagories and only 4 qualities, commonly known as the 4 C’s. COLOR, CLARITY, CUT and CARAT

May - Emerald

Emerald is a symbol of rebirth, It is believed to grant

the owner foresight, good fortune and youth.

The timeless appeal of Emerald can be summed up in three words written in the year 50 AD: “Nothing greens greener.” Roman historian Pliny the Elder was explaining the desire for the supreme green gem not only in Rome but throughout the ancient world.

June - Pearl

Pearls are linked with chastity and modesty making it something of an angelic, pure birthstone. They are unique among gemstones as they are the only ones found within a living creature and the only ones that requires no fashioning, (cutting or polishing) before use. Nothing is as elegant as a simple strand of Pearls against a black dress. But cultured Pearls today have an exciting range of colors, sizes and shapes that make them ideal for a wide range of jewelry.

July - Ruby

Ruby is a stone traditionally linked with protection and harmony.
It is named after the Latin word "ruber" for red. It is one of the most expensive gems. Large rubies being rarer than comparable diamonds. Many rubies are an essential part of royal insignia and other famous jewelry. The Ruby color range includes pinkish, purplish, orangey, and brownish red depending on the chromium and iron content of the stone.

August - Peridot

Peridot is linked with protection against evil and night terrors as well enhancing the properties of healing drugs. The fresh lime green of Peridot is its distinctive signature. The color of most gems is caused by traces of other elements but the color of Peridot is an integral part of its structure. If you love citrus tones or earth tones, you'll find that Peridot is an integral part of your jewelry wardrobe.

September - Sapphire

The Sapphire is linked with faith and purity, as well as foresight.
Sapphire comes from the Greek word for blue, sappheiros.
This gem provides the most beautiful blues of the gem
kingdom. The ancient Persians believed the earth rests on a giant sapphire. Its reflection, they said, made the sky blue. But Sapphire doesn't have to be blue to be beautiful. Sapphire also comes in beautiful pinks, yellows, oranges, and peach and violet colors. These other colors are often referred to as fancy Sapphire. In fact, Sapphire comes in every color but red, because a red Sapphire would be a ruby
as both are the mineral corundum.

October - Opal

The Opal is linked to purity, hope, innocence and friendship.

The name Opal evolved from the Greek "Opallus" which means to see a change in color. Later, the Latin word "opalus" came to mean precious stone.

A beautiful Opal is one of a kind: a natural artwork with a unique pattern of rainbow flashes of color unlike any other. It's as individual as your personality. You may prefer an Opal that serenely glows with pinpoint flashes of the blues and greens of the sea and sky. Or you may fall in love with a gem that flashes broad patterns of red and yellow, with all the bright festivity of carnival in Rio. And with its rainbow appeal, Opal complements everything in your wardrobe.

November - Topaz

The Topaz is linked with sanity, healing and life, as well as being connected to strength.

The golden glow of late afternoon, the reddish orange of sunset and the pink of dawn's first light, these are the colors of Topaz, a gem with the warm tones of the sun. Like the sun, Topaz is flattering to the skin, lighting up your face with a golden glow that enhances every color in your wardrobe.

December - Turquoise

This precious stone was once linked to happiness, fortune and luck, making it a very popular gem in centuries gone by. Turquoise, with its distinctive robin's egg blue, is among the oldest known gemstones. It graced the necks of Egyptian Pharaohs and adorned the ceremonial dress of early Native Americans.

Murano Glass Facebook Shop

2012-05-16T07:27:00.000+01:00

After much ado, I have finally launched my DeVigniDesigns Facebook shop!

My customers now have an option to purchase my Authentic Murano Glass Jewelry via:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/devignidesigns

Online shop: www.devignidesigns.com

Mobile: www.devignidesigns.ecwid.com

Home Party: Enjoy a personalized shopping experience at home with your friends when you host a fun and easy Murnao Glass Jewelry Home Party.

Reminiscing about Venice

2012-05-14T09:06:00.000+01:00

While I was browsing the web I came across these two videos of Venice that started me reminiscing about Venice and what I great time I had there last year. It really is the city of love. The views are so breathtaking! I am sure you will enjoy the videos as much as I did!

Around Venice

Another video taken around Venice

Murano Glass Rings

2012-05-10T06:00:00.000+01:00

I have added Murano Glass Rings to my current line of Murano Glass jewelry. They look absolutely fantastic. I must say that the photos don't do them the justice they deserve! This is however what is expected when you photograph glass.

The Murano Glass rings are handmade using the glass sheet technique with silver foil 925 and gold foil 24kt.adjustable band.

More styles and designs are available on my online shop DeVigniDesigns.

Murano Glass Round Ring Diam.25

Murano Glass Rectangular Ring 25x20

Murano Glass Square Ring 25x25

Wedding Anniversary Colors

2012-05-09T08:34:00.000+01:00

An anniversary is a time to remember

about a couple's life.

A time to recognize that the strongest bond

is the love between husband and wife.

Through times of happiness and times of sadness,

love grows continually and they become as one heart,

The other staying with them, in memory,

even when they are apart.

Each anniversary is special and may cause a shed tear,

for the bond grows ever stronger and stronger

When love is shared for another year.

Do you have an anniversary coming up and need to buy a present for your loved one? Do you stick to the traditional gifts that limit you or do you follow the modern day route of an anniversary color? An anniversary color is more flexible and your imagination is your only limitation.

Anniversary Colors

Year	Colour
1st Wedding Anniversary	Yellow
2nd Wedding Anniversary	Linen White
3rd Wedding Anniversary	Fawn/Light Brown
4th Wedding Anniversary	Green
5th Wedding Anniversary	Turquoise
6th Wedding Anniversary	White
7th Wedding Anniversary	Off-White
8th Wedding Anniversary	Bronze
9th Wedding Anniversary	Terracotta
10th Wedding Anniversary	Silver
11th Wedding Anniversary	Turquoise
12th Wedding Anniversary	Oyster White
13th Wedding Anniversary	White
14th Wedding Anniversary	Ivory
15th Wedding Anniversary	Ruby Red
16th Wedding Anniversary	Silver
17th Wedding Anniversary	Yellow
18th Wedding Anniversary	Blue
19th Wedding Anniversary	Bronze
20th Wedding Anniversary	Emerald Green
25th Wedding Anniversary	Silver
30th Wedding Anniversary	Green
35th Wedding Anniversary	Coral
40th Wedding Anniversary	Ruby Red
45th Wedding Anniversary	Sapphire Red
50th Wedding Anniversary	Gold
55th Wedding Anniversary	Emerald Green
60th Wedding Anniversary	White
65th Wedding Anniversary	Sky Blue
70th Wedding Anniversary	Platinum
75th Wedding Anniversary	Diamond White

Murano Glass comes in a whole spectrum of colors, designs and products that will make fabulous anniversary presents.

Jewelry & your face shape

2012-05-08T07:00:00.000+01:00

Have you ever thought about how jewelry can enhance your face shape? Not to worry as not many of us do!

Before you can determine which jewelry would suit your face shape, you need to determine what your actual facial shape is.

To determine your facial shape:

Stand in front of a large mirror in a room with good lighting.
Pull your hair away from your face into a bun or a ponytail.
Trace the shape of your face with an erasable marker or an old lipstick onto the mirror. An alternative would be to ask someone to take a photo of your face.
Step away from the mirror and evaluate the shape you have drawn or the shape of your face in the photo.
Compare the shape of your face with the below illustrations to determine your face shape.

Illustrations of face shapes

Now for the fun part! Determining which jewelry will suit your face shape. Look for your face shape below to see which jewelry you should be wearing to enhance your natural beauty.

Heart/Inverted Triangle/Diamond Shaped Face:

Earrings: dangle or drop earrings help to lengthen the face.

Necklaces: chokers help contrast and soften the sharp angle of the chin.

Round/Square/Triangular Shaped Face:

Earrings: try elongated shapes such as ovals or angular shapes such as rectangles. Square shaped faces look particularly well in teardrop earrings.

Necklaces: look for necklaces that elongate your face, typically necklaces that extend below the neckline (28" to 32").

Rectangular/Oblong Shaped Face:

Earrings: choose short or round earrings to contrast the longer face shape.

Necklaces: chokers, especially if you have a long neck.

Oval Shaped Face:

Earrings: dangle earrings (not too long), preferably angular shaped.

Necklaces: can be either long or short (if you have a long neck, then chose a shorter necklace)

Choosing jewelry for your skin tone

2012-05-07T15:15:00.000+01:00

Does it matter what color jewelry you wear with your skin tone?

Yes and no!

Yes, because certain colors do enhance certain skin tones.

No, because if you feel comfortable in the jewelry you are wearing, your confidence will soar in how good you look, no matter the color of the jewelry!

To help you bring out your best look, here is info on how to determine your skin tone and the jewelry colors that best suit it.

What is my skin tone?

Your will either have a warm or cool skin tone. It is amazingly easy to determine your skin tone! Just flip over your hand, palms up, now have a look at the veins on your wrist. (The spot where you dab your favourite perfume!) Are your veins greenish or bluish in color?

Nicole Kidman -
Warm skin tones

Warm skin tones

Greenish veins indicate that you have a warm skin tone.
You will notice yellow or golden-apricot undertones when you look in the mirror.
You tan easily or you have a higher threshold to sunburn.
Your eye color is either brown, black or hazel.
Your hair color is usually natural red, orange, strawberry blonde or brown hair with a reddish tint.

Some famous people with warm skin tones are:

Nicole Kidman, Cameron Diaz, Kate Hudson, Gwyneth Paltrow, Renee Zellweger, Ellen Degeneres, Diane Sawyer and Nicole Richie.

Gwyneth Paltrow -
Warm skin tones

Cameron Diaz -
Warm skin tones

Renee Zellweger -
Warm skin tones

Jewelry for warm skin tones

Yellow gold is your main jewelry metal.
You will also look fabulous in pewter, brass and copper colored metals.
Wear coral or golden toned pearls
Focus on earth-tone colors such as coral, orange, an earthy green, brown, yellow, peach and turquoise jewelry.

Eva Longoria - Cool skin tones

Cool skin tones

Bluish veins indicate that you have a warm skin tone.
You will notice pinkish or rosy-red undertones when you look in the mirror.
You sunburn easily.
Your eye color is either blue, green, grey or brown.
Your hair color is usually, natural blond, black or brown.

Kim Kardashian -
Cool skin tones

Sarah Jessica Parker -
Cool skin tones

Famous people with cool skin tones are:

Demi Moore, Anne Hathaway, Sandra Bullock, Eva Longoria, Kim Kardashian, Jennifer Hudson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Jennifer Aniston and Elizabeth Taylor.

Jewelry for cool skin tones

Silver, white gold and platinum is your main metals.
Wear white pearls and diamonds.
Focus on jewel tones such as pinks, purples, rich blues, greens, and magentas.

Most people have cool skin, including people with dark and tan skin.

The above information is not cast in stone however do bear it in mind when you experiment with jewelry color. Always remember that jewelry is an accessory to enhance your looks!

New range of Murano Glass Jewelry!

2012-05-03T19:21:00.001+01:00

I have been quite busy over the last few days. My new stock of Murano Glass Jewelry has arrived! So the process of checking, sorting, labeling, photographing, editing and updating my online shop, DeVigniDesigns has kept my plate full! It is a very exhausting but rewarding process.

I have box sets which includes a pendant and earrings. The set is completely handmade using the glass sheet technique with silver foil 925 or gold foil 24kt. The pendant comes with a cotton cord which is 50cm long.

Log onto my online shop, DeVigniDesigns to view color variations and while you are there, why don't you surprise your Mum and buy Murano Glass Jewelry for Mother's Day on the 13th of May!

Murano Glass Pendant & Earrings Box set (20x20)

Murano Glass Pendant & Earrings Box set (40x30)

Murano Glass Pendant & Earrings Box set Diam. 50 curved

Murano Glass Pendant & Earrings Box set Diam. 40

10% off Murano glass jewellery for Mother's Day!

2012-04-25T10:35:00.000+01:00

Mother's Day is just around the corner! Can you believe it!

I cannot believe how quick the months are passing by. The quote "Time flies" is very apt in my life at the moment!

So for all the last minute shoppers, like myself, you are probably wrecking your brains on the perfect gift for your mother. Well, look no further than DeVigniDesigns! Which mother would not love a piece of jewellery, especially if it is Murano glass imported directly from the island, Murano, off the Venetian Lagoon in Italy.

Take advantage of this special offer which is valid until the 4th May 2012 and while stocks last. Don't miss out on this great offer!

Murano Glass Heart Pendant 30x30x10mm

with cotton cord (50cm), entirely handmade

by Murano Master glassmaker with the

"lampwork" technique"

Cost: ZAR130.00 each

18mm Murano Glass Millefiori Pendant

Pendant only, Sterling Silver 925/000 rim

& clasp, 18mm in diameter

Cost: ZAR132.00 each

23mm Murano Glass Millefiori Pendant

Pendant only, Sterling Silver 925/000 rim

& clasp, 23mm in diameter

Cost: ZAR173.00 each

26mm Murano Glass Millefiori Pendant

Pendant only, Sterling Silver 925/000 rim

& clasp, 26mm in diameter

Cost: ZAR190.00 each

32mm Murano Glass Millefiori Pendant

Pendant only, Sterling Silver 925/000 rim

& clasp, 32mm in diameter

Cost: ZAR223.00 each

The offer is valid until the 4th May 2012 and while stocks last. Don't miss out on this great offer!

Murano Glass Masters pay homage to Picasso

2012-04-23T14:40:00.000+01:00

Pablo Picasso

The artist that we know as Pablo Picasso was born in Malaga, a city in the Andalusia region of Spain, on 25 October 1881.

The child-prodigy, Picasso, was artistically gifted early in life. His mother remembered that his first word was ‘piz’ which is a shortened version of the Spanish word ‘lapis’ (pencil). Picasso is one of the most recognized figures in the 20th Century art.

Head of a Woman, 1960
by Pablo Picasso

I love this quote by Pablo Picasso!

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life."

The Murano Glass Masters were so inspired by Pablo Picasso that many of them create Murano glass sculptures that have beautiful shades of colors which allows you to get a unique effect of light bouncing off the Murano glass.

Homage to Picasso by
Vetreria Artistica Colleoni

Murano glass of the faces of Picasso

Homage to Picasso by
the master at Colleoni

Murano glass, Picasso style oversized vase

Murano glass, Picasso piece by
Christoph Kiefhaber

Murano glass, Picasso piece by
a master glass artisan

Murano glass Picasso, Women's head

Murano Glass perfume bottles

2012-04-21T18:01:00.001+01:00

In ancient times perfume was exclusively used by the upper class and the rich.

Nowadays most women have an extensive collection of perfumes and fragrances. Perfume has become an essential part of our lives, so that many of us women, will not step out of the house without first dabbing a few drops of our favorite scent.

It has been documented that a great deal of aesthetic imagination and thought was put into the manufacturing of the perfume containers. This has evolved into an art and perfume can be found in containers from the simplest to the most intricately designed bottles. Glass bottles are the main storage containers for perfume.

Seguso Murano amber sommerso
art glass perfume bottle

Here are a few Murano Glass perfume bottles that are very eye catching. A few of these Murano Glass bottles will beautify your dressing table quite nicely.

Murano Glass Perfume Bottles
in shades of Fall

Hand Decorated Murano Glass
Spray Perfume Bottles

Hand Decorated Murano Glass
Murrina-Capped Perfume

Handmade Murano Glass perfume bottle

Murano Glass Perfume Bottle - Lapis and Gold

Murano Glass Round Perfume Bottle Aqua

Murano glass perfume bottle

Murrina perfume bottles

Tall Murano Glass Perfume
Bottle with Atomizer

The perfect Mother's Day gift

2012-04-20T10:27:00.000+01:00

Mother's Day is on the 13th May 2012. It is less than a month away!

Mother's day is all about celebrating the wonderful woman who has given you so much. Have you bought your Mum, Grandmother or Aunt something special to show her how much you love, care and appreciate her?

DeVigniDesigns has the perfect gift. A beautiful Murano Glass Heart pendant. Shop online for various colors and designs.

Each Murano Glass Heart pendant is 30x30x10 mm in size and comes with a cotton cord (50 cm). It is entirely handmade by Murano master glass-makers with the “lampwork technique”

Murano Glass Heart Pendants

Caring for your jewelry

2012-04-16T10:37:00.000+01:00

I now realise that caring for your jewelry does not have to be rocket science! I have learnt 3 simple steps that I would like to share with you.

Protect your jewelry
Store your jewelry safely
Clean your jewelry

How to protect your jewelry

Put your makeup, lotion, hair spray and perfume on before your jewelry.
Take off your jewelry when you are cleaning the house, doing the laundry, bathing, showering or gardening.
Keep your jewelry away from chemicals, extreme temperatures (hot or cold!) and sunlight.
Don’t wear your jewelry in a swimming pool or hot tub as chlorine can damage gemstones and metals including gold.
Wipe your jewelry with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove makeup and skin oils after wearing them.

How to store your jewelry

Store your jewelry away from heat sources and sunlight. The sun may fade some gemstones.
Store each piece separately so your jewelry does not scratch.
Store your silver jewelry or jewelry with silver accents in a zip lock bag with anti-tarnish strips to reduce tarnishing. You can also store them in material bags or in a jewelry box.
Store your jewelry in a dry location with low humidity. Humid and damp conditions causes tarnish in silver.
Store your jewelry according to any special care instructions provided with your jewelry.
You chains and necklaces should lay flat to avoid kinks in them.
Consider the security and accessibility of the location you choose for your jewelry.

Little Black Dress Hanging Jewellery Organiser
from aplaceforeverything

How to clean your jewelry

Most jewelry can be safely cleaned using a clean 100% cotton or lint-free cloth. An old T-shirt will even do!
Sterling silver will polish up by rubbing or buffing it with a soft cotton cloth.
Warm soapy water (use a mild dish detergent) can also be used however be careful with certain gemstones as they could lose their color. Rinse and pat dry with a clean cloth.
If you are not certain about using chemicals on you jewelry, act with caution and just wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth.

Lint free cloths

Read my blog post Jewelry organisation and Jewelry Amoire for ideas on how to store your treasured jewelry.

Tips on measuring yourself for the prefect length necklace

2012-04-13T12:43:00.000+01:00

Continuing from yesterday's article Ever wondered which necklace length to wear?, I thought it would be a good idea to share with you how to measure yourself for the perfect length necklace.

The standard necklace length is 16 to 20 inches or 41 – 51 cm, which sits just between the base of the throat and the collarbone for most people.

To measure yourself for a necklace, wrap a piece of ribbon, string or or any non-stretchable cord around the base of your neck and then drape it to the place where you would prefer to wear your necklace. Measure the ribbon, string, etc. against a ruler or measuring tape to determine your desired necklace length.

Here are a few more tips for measuring yourself for a collar or choker necklace as well as how to measure a necklace for the man in your life!

To find the ideal length for a collar necklace that will sit just above your collarbone, use a measuring tape to measure your neck and add 2 to 4 inches or 5 to 12 cm. This will ensure a looser, more comfortable fit.

Halle Berry wearing a
collar length necklace

If you want a choker, choose the standard size, which is 16 inches or 41 cm. For a more snug fit, measure around your neck and go no more than an inch or 3 cm less, depending on your preference. (Add on an inch or 3 cm if you are not a standard size.)

Angelina Jolie wearing a
choker length necklace

Johnny Depp

For men, the necklace should sit at the collarbone when it is worn with an open shirt collar. If worn with a pendant or medallion, the chain should be slightly longer. Men's chains generally measure between 18 inches or 46 cm and 20 inches or 51 cm in length for a necklace that will lie at the collarbone.

Denzel Washington

And just like style, the correct length for you is based on personal taste!

It's also great for you to have different sizes and styles of necklaces in your jewelry collection for the various occasions and events you attend or just because you like variety!

Ever wondered which necklace length to wear?

2012-04-12T12:29:00.000+01:00

Have you ever wondered which necklace length to wear? Well, I sure have! Most of time I rely on my instincts and as I have found out: this can sometimes guide me in the wrong direction. Do I rely on my personal preferences or just follow fashion trends? I want a necklace or necklaces that are comfortable and enhance my outfit.

Anne Hathaway

Did you know that there are names for the various necklace lengths? I did not!

You have the:

Heidi locket wearing a
Collar necklace

Collar (12-13 inches or 31-33 cm) Collar necklaces lie snugly around the middle of the neck. They are a must-have when wearing V-necks, boat necks, and off-the-shoulder fashions. They complement an evening look.

Jessica Alba wearing a
Choker Necklace

Choker (14-16 inches or 36-41 cm) Both classic and versatile, a 14-16 inch choker falls perfectly around the base of the neck. A simple choker necklace matches any outfit and just about any neckline. Great for a child’s necklace. Perfect for any time of day and occasion

Beyonce wearing a
Princess necklace

Princess (17-19 inches or 43-48 cm) As the most popular necklace length, the princess necklace is best suited for crew and high necklines, falling just below the throat. Typically 17-19 inches long, you can wear the princess length as a contrast to low, plunging necklines. Add a pendant for a bold, eye-catching look." Ideal for both pendant necklaces and pearls. Versatile length for both daytime and evening.

Jennifer Lopez wearing a
Matinee necklace

Matinee (20-24 inches or 51-64 cm) Longer than the princess necklace and shorter than an opera length. Compliments a higher neckline. A 20-24 inch matinee necklace is the right choice for casual or business attire.

Selena Gomez wearing an
Opera necklace

Opera (28-34 inches or 66-91 cm) Ranging from 28-34 inches, the opera necklace is the second longest of all lengths. Wear it as a single or double strand. Perfect for high or crew necklines, its versatility allows the opera necklace to transform from day to evening wear with elegant ease.

Gail O'Grady wearing a
Rope necklace

Rope (over 45 inches or 94-114 cm) Measuring at least 45 inches in length, the versatile rope necklace is a must-have accessory! Infinitely elegant and classic, this necklace dresses up any outfit night or day. Often, hidden clasps placed in strategic locations allow this necklace to be transformed into multi-strand necklace and bracelet combinations.

Murano Glass Clowns

2012-04-12T06:27:00.000+01:00

Tomato Clown

Have you taken time to have a good look at a Murano glass clown? You can certainly see why people become ardent Murano Glass Clown Collectors!

Zucchini Clown

It is amazing how the Murano glass artisans take molten silica and while it is in between the state, of a liquid and solid, transform it into glass and then produce stunning eye catching glass clowns!

Lemon Clown

Each handmade Murano glass clown has a unique personality which it further enhanced with vibrant colors and quirky shapes and facial expressions.

Murano Glass Clowns

You tend to wonder what the Murano glass artisan was thinking and feeling while he hand sculptured the Murano glass clown and if a bit of his personality has rubbed off onto the Murano glass clown.

Musical clowns

Capsicum Clown

Grande Capitalist Clown

Murano Clown playing a Baby grand Piano

Murano Glass Clown Ashtray

Jewelry organisation

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All women love jewelry! We have jewelry for all occasions; be it for work, a casual lunch with girlfriends, a super hot date if you are single, a date night with hubby or just to adhance our natural beauty! From costume to fine jewelry, we can never have enough!

We invest so much money in our jewelry so it is only natural that we would like it to last us forever. Part of caring for our jewelry is storing it in a way that does not scratch, tarnish or cause other blemishes or breakages.

While surfing the net, I came across some innovative ideas on how to store jewelry without breaking the bank! You will be relatively surprised as to what you could use to store or display your jewelry.

Picture frames & nails

Grater

Picture frame with corks

Wooden board with a painted border

Hanger with eye hooks

Metal rod & hooks attached
to a cupboard

Tree branches nailed to a wall

Cutlery tray

Hand ornament

Ceramic bowls

Ice cube tray

Lamp shade

Printers typeset drawer

Thumb pin board

Sculpture

Artist canvas with eye hooks

I hope I have inspired you enough to look around your home and find items that you could use to store or display your beautiful jewelry.

Interesting Facts about Murano!

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Map of Murano, Venice

Murano is the most famous of the Venetian islands. Murano was founded between the 5th and the 7th century. It is a suburb of Venice, Italy and is also known as the island “of the flames”. The island is 1,134 acres (459 hectares) in size.

St Mark's Church

It takes about 10 to 15 minutes to get to Murano from St Mark's Church on the main island of Venice with a vaporetto (water taxi). Murano is made up of 5 small islands in the Laguna Veneta (Lagoon of Venice).

Ponto Longo

There is only one bridge in Murano and it is called the "Ponto Longo". It was built in 1866 out of iron.

Glass furnace

The oldest preserved evidence for the existence of the glass blower dates back to 982 and is found in Venice's archives. Murano experienced major development after 1291, when glass furnaces were moved there from Venice. From the late 13th century it was the center of the Venetian glass industry, which reached a peak in the 16th century and was revived in the 19th century by Antonio Salviati.

Glass factory

Glass blowers were prohibited from emigrating from Venice with the threat of confiscation of their property. Secret glass making recipe books are passed down from fathers to sons in glass making families.

Murano glass clocks

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8 Ball Swirl Neon Wall clock

You cannot help but admire the Murano glass artisans. Their artistic ability as well as their ability to manipulate glass into various shapes and objects is amazing. They have made an international name for themselves by fine tuning their trade and producing beautiful and innovative pieces.

Millefiori Murano Glass Alarm Clock

I have come across these wall and table top clocks that are quite innovative. They each tell their own story through color and design.

Murano Glass Blue Mosaic Wall Clock

Cufflinks are making a comeback!

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The cufflink has grown into a popular fashion statement for both men and women. Nowadays, cufflinks can be found in any shape, color or style. From glass, silver, gold, fabric, metals, etc.; cufflinks are making a big comeback with reckless abandon!

Cufflinks can be an elegant addition to a formal outfit or a funky addition to casual wear for both men and women. This is a far cry from the first cufflinks used by royalty in ancient Egypt and early Renaissance periods about 800 years ago.

Glass buttons appeared in the late 17th century as a gaudier but lower-cost alternative to diamonds. The English fashion spread to France, where it became popular amoung the nobility. In 1788, the first known record of the word "cufflink" appeared.

During the nineteenth century, businessmen of varying classes began wearing cufflinks for a more casual wear, expanding beyond the traditional gala or evening event. Prices came down and cuff links were now affordable to the average middle-class gentleman.

In the late twentieth century, the cufflinks industry had a low period when shirt manufacturers began mass-producing dress and tuxedo shirts with buttons on the cuffs. But that didn't discourage the big jewelry companies from producing cufflinks. Cufflinks and stud sets were here to stay.

A video showcasing the Murano glass lampwork technique

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It is always fascinating to watch the Murano glass Master Artisans at work. Here is a video showcasing the lampwork technique.

Construction of the Venetian Butterfly pendant using the lampworking technique