The Brooch as Messenger

Labor Day has come and gone. For most of us this symbolizes the end of Summer and the beginning of Fall. Cooler weather is coming and our favorite light fabrics of Summer will give way to jackets and suits, which brings me to this week’s fashion trend.

The brooch is one of the most interesting and often most versatile pieces of jewelry. This is not my hottest fashion trend to send you (read “Off the Cuff” for one), but there are still a large number of women who wear suits and dresses to work each day and there is no better way to add style and self expression than with a brooch to a collar, lapel or shoulder. Brooches are versatile because neckline or sleeve length of each outfit need not be taken into consideration, which is not the case with bracelets or necklaces. One famous lover of brooches is Madeleine Albright, Former US Secretary of State and Founder, The Albright Group LLC. She said that she used pins as a diplomatic tool; reinforcing the message of the day, choosing among pieces that depict an eagle, dove, balloon or bumble bee to name a few. “Read my Pins: The Madeleine Albright Collection” will go on display this month at the Museum of Art and Design in New York City. There is also a book entitled “Read my Pins: Stories from a Diplomat’s Jewel Box”, written by Ms. Albright, which accompanies the exhibit.

My message today: stop and smell the roses.

Off the Cuff

Bold yet easy to wear, cuff bracelets are our new (old) favorite. The statement making bracelets can be found in every material; and they look just as great with a sweater and jeans as they do with a little black dress.

The best classic cuff design is the Maltese Cross by Verdura. Originally designed in 1936 by Duke Fulco di Verdura for Coco Chanel, the bracelet is still produced by Verdura today. Each bracelet is fitted to the customer’s wrist and some of the bracelets have a detachable cross that can be interchanged with cuffs of various materials. Elsa Peretti’s Bone Cuff for Tiffany & Co. is quite possibly the sexiest piece of jewelry around. The classic organic design is available in 18kt yellow gold, silver, or ruthenium over copper for the budget conscious.

Bakelite, which is a dense synthetic resin, is a colorful option for cuffs. Invented in 1907, it was popular in kitchen items and jewelry through the 1940s because of the ease with which it could be molded and carved. It can be found in modern and vintage jewelry; although some of the very colorful, unusual period pieces can be as expensive as their precious metal counter parts.

If you dare follow in the path of the great style icon Coco Chanel you may want to stack your cuffs or wear a pair, one on each wrist.

Pearls Just Go With Everything

As a preppy college student, I used to wear pearls with an Irish knit sweater to football games, and that is the closest I will ever get to revealing my age. Now I tend to wear them with suits or silk blouses.  However, while pearls are classic jewelry, they have been popping up recently in the most unsuspecting places and they look fabulous.  From Chanel sunglass arms and Prada earrings to celebrity photographs, pearls have taken center stage.  Recently, the very hip Gwyneth Paltrow and Rita Wilson were photographed in pearls by Town and Country Magazine at an LA benefit.

Pearls are the birthstone for the month of June, and are still the best milestone gift for the graduates and brides,  but they are also so much more.  For more information on the gemology of pearls click here for a “Pearls” Brief.

Looking forward, pearls are for all seasons. Louis Vuitton has created the most incredible pearl necklace (left) with their Fall Collection for 2009. It is an oversized link necklace of gold with pearls accenting each link. This necklace is a stunner, I love it!

Basics of Jewelry Strategy

On principle, I do not believe in a list of items that make one’s personal jewelry collection complete. Jewelry is a decorative art, and therefore should be judged by the eye of the wearer. I do, however, have a few suggestions:

1. Wear what makes you happy.

2. Invest in special pieces. Invest in traditional not trendy pieces. It is lovely to have jewels that only come out on special occasions.

3. Do not be afraid to wear color, gemstones are nature’s creation and come in a rainbow of fabulous, surprising and flattering colors. Color jewelry can be trendy; and is a great way to incorporate the color that everyone is wearing this season into your wardrobe. You can read my brief on “red” and check The Jewelry Brief for other color briefs coming soon.

4. Do differentiate between day and evening jewelry, especially regarding lady’s watches. When dressing for your evening out, remember less is usually more.