Month: May 2014

You don’t have to break into your piggy bank to transform your drab outfit into a chic one by pairing it with a chunky necklace. Chunky necklaces are available in bright, bold colours, and come in varying lengths and styles. Worn mostly as bold statement pieces, chunky jewelry is made up of beads, acrylic, plastic, resin, glass, metal, shells, wood or even gemstones.

Due to its large size, a chunky necklace can stand out on its own but can also look great when worn with other necklaces as a layering piece. You can pair them with a buttoned down shirt or chic strappy dress. When you are wearing large and colourful statement jewelry, wear a solid colour and try not to have any florals or crazy patterns.

When you are wearing a chunky neckpiece, keep your other jewelry, accessories and make-up toned down a little. It shouldn’t be bright and gaudy. In order to make a bold statement, try to colour coordinate separate pieces, along with your clothing.

A chunky, flowery necklace looks best when worn with a sundress, white or beachy looks. Several chunky necklaces together look tacky and cheap and are also unnecessary. You can be fashion forward by pairing a big necklace with a scarf or any other variety of neck wear.

Keep your hair simple and try and tone down your hairstyle especially if you are opting for a very loud piece of jewelry. A loose ponytail, a clean bun or a sleek blowout will make your chunky jewelry noticeable.

One of the key points to keep in mind is to not pair chunky necklaces with chunky earrings! You can wear one of the two. You can, however, wear a pair of small studded earrings to accompany it.

The chunkier, the funkier, the bigger, the better! So, are you ready to ditch the small, delicate pieces and plan to go bold?

You probably laugh off when you find people wearing rings on every finger for each gemstone signifies a certain purpose. Mostly people wear it for good luck or to protect themselves from negative energy. These meanings can manifest themselves in any number of ways including personal meaning, belief that birthstones possess medicinal affects.

Birthstones are nothing but gems that have been linked to our dates of birth for centuries now. Traditionally a birth stone is associated with each month of the year and is said to have heightened powers when worn during its assigned month.

It’s clear that many people believe that some gemstones have special meaning and perhaps power. For someone who is investing in birthstone jewelry, it’s certainly helpful to identify those qualities that he or she finds meaningful before making their purchase. Here is a list of modern birthstones:

1. January Birtstone – Garnet
   Garnet Colour – These are usually found in every colour except blue. However, the garnets used in birthstone jewelry are usually deep red.
   Garnet Folklore – This gemstone is said to bring friendship, loyalty, and sincerity, and the stone is said to have the power to ensure good health and keep the wearer safe during travel.
   

2. February Birthstone – Amethyst
   Amethyst Colour – A form of quartz, its colour varies from pale lilac to dark purple.
   Amethyst Folklore – It is believed to prevent drunkenness and is widely known as a symbol of peace and tranquility. It brings peace of mind and drives away enflamed passions and worries.
   

3. March Birthstone – Aquamarine
   Aquamarine Colour – This stone comes in all shades of blue but clear aquamarine is much more valuable than stones with traces of other colours.
   Aquamarine Folklore – It is said to provide a sense of youth and hope and is also known to protect sailors while they are at sea.
   

4. April Birthstone – Diamond
   Diamond Colour – These are mostly colourless but fancy coloured diamonds are also quite popular.
   Diamond Folklore – Lucky are those who are born in April for their birthstone is diamond. Regarded as the jewel of love and power, diamonds is known to strengthen body and soul.
   

5. May Birthstone – Emerald
   Emerald Colour – They vary from light to dark green in colour.
   Emerald Folklore – It is believed to give the wearer some sort of psychic powers and is associated with fertility and joy. It is also believed to sharpen the mind.
   

6. June Birthstone – Pearl
   Pearl Colour – They are traditionally white but pearls are available in a variety of colours these days and come in huge shapes and sizes.
   Pearl Folklore – Pearls bring to its wearer both qualities of modesty and purity.
   

7. July Birthstone – Ruby
   Ruby Colour – The actual color of a ruby can vary from bright red to red-violet or brownish-red.
   Ruby Folklore – Rubies are symbolic of zeal and passion. It gives people born in July undying vigor and brings them fortune and love. It is also a powerful protector for those surrounded by unfriendly forces.
   

8. August Birthstone – Peridot
   Peridot Colour – It is a lime green in colour which is sometimes tinged with olive or brownish shades.
   Peridot Folklore – One of the oldest known gemstones, Peridot is traditionally a symbol that represents the sun and wearing it was thought to provide protection from nightmares. It wards off depression and fear.
   

9. September Birthstone – Sapphire
   Sapphire Colour – It is usually available in all colours except red but the most popular sapphire colour is cornflower blue.
   Sapphire Folklore – This gemstone is known to relax and clear the mind of all worries. It used to help priests predict the future. This gem is associated with peace and happiness.

10. October Birthstone – Opal
Opal Colour – These are soft gemstones embedded with impurities and complexly colourful.
Opal Folklore – Legend says that it is especially good for the eyes and has long been a symbol of innocence and purity.

11. November Birthstone – Citrine or Topaz
Citrine Colour – It is a form of quartz and is mostly yellow in colour.
Citrine Folklore – It makes the wearer cheerful, light-hearted, and hopeful. It also helps to relax the body and cleanse it of its toxins.

12. December – Blue Topaz
Topaz Colour – Icy Blue
Topaz Folklore – Those who are born in this month usually gain a pleasant disposition and patient attitude from blue topaz. It is also a symbol of fidelity and love and is said to cure many diseases.