styling jewelry

opal jewelry

Opals in October

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If you are looking for a new stone jewel that you can wear with just about anything, then opal is for you! Opal, primarily found in Australia, happens to be one of the October birthstones and makes for a beautiful addition to any jewelry collection. Thanks to its variety of colors, you can even find some opals that emulate shades of autumn. The October birthstone is unique from others because its color can be difficult to pinpoint, which makes it highly valued! 

What Makes Opal Unique?

Unlike months like July or March, whose birthstone is one solid color, October opals can reflect a wide array of colors. The most common type of opal, and the one you are probably most familiar with, is white opal. This kind has a milky white base color with a rainbow of pastel shades. Another type is black opal, which includes darker reflections of blue, gray, and green tones. The crystal opal is more transparent with a bright assortment of colors, while a fire opal is transparent with fiery gleams of red, orange, and yellow. Of all these varieties, opal with red hints against black is the rarest, while the white and blue versions are more common and less expensive. When set in jewelry, opals make for some of the most unique and beautiful pieces because of these attributes. 

Styling Your October Birthstone 

The beauty of the opal stone is that you can wear it with pretty much anything. Dress this jewel up for a formal occasion, or add it to a casual everyday outfit! You can find this stone in pretty much any form of jewelry, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and even anklets! Whatever it is, opal is sure to complement your look. 

This jewel is the perfect choice for someone looking to pull together the colors in their outfit. Because the October birthstone reflects multiple colors, you can rest assured this will go seamlessly with whatever color palette you have on. As you can see, opal is never a bad option! 

How to Care for and Clean Opal

Since opal’s unique play-of-light comes from refractions, even small or minor scratches can dramatically change the look and allure of the stone. Because of this, proper care and cleaning of your opal jewelry is a must. Due to the high concentration of water, opals are easily damaged even by sudden temperature changes. Over time, being exposed to these conditions could cause your October birthstone to crack and scratch. It is also important to note that you should be careful wearing your opal jewelry. The durability of the stone is low in comparison to others, so when you wear it and store it, keep that in mind and be extra delicate when handling it. You may even want to store it separately from other stones like diamonds or rubies, whose makeup is much harder. 

Before October ends, check out our selection of opal jewelry here at Isbell Jewelers, and gift this exquisite October birthstone to yourself or a friend!

fall jewelry trends

2020 Fall Jewelry Trends

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As the weather outside begins to change, so do some of this year’s jewelry trends! When you trade-in your sandals for boots, don’t forget, no outfit is complete without a little jewelry. With the ever-changing styles and seasons, it can be difficult to keep up with what’s in fashion, so we’ve taken a look into what you can expect to see this fall to help you stay up to date on all the latest styles. 

Chains

Chain jewelry has been around for a while now but isn’t going anywhere any time soon. This style of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and even rings compliments any fall outfit and can easily be dressed up or down. Linked chain jewelry is perfect for layering or paired with your favorite diamonds!  

Costume Jewelry

Do you remember looking through your mom’s or grandmother’s jewelry box and trying on all her costume jewelry? If you kept any of it around, you’re in luck! One of the upcoming fall fashion trends this year will be costume jewelry. These gems are the simplest way to spice up a neutral fall outfit, so pull out all those gigantic stone pieces and emerald-cut diamonds for the season!

Color Trend

Fall colors typically seem limited to neutral tones, but this year’s colorful jewelry trend is changing the narrative. Jewelry with many different colored stones and details brightens any outfit and will add so much life and style to your look this autumn.

Pearls

These beautiful gems will always be a timeless classic and perfect addition to any jewelry box. We always keep a wide selection of all kinds of pearl necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and rings to choose from in our own collection. While you will see many reinvented pearl pieces this fall, a classic pearl strand is never a bad option! 

Check our selection to get ready for all the new 2020 fall jewelry trends! 

gold vs. silver

Gold vs. Silver

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If you had to choose between gold vs. silver, which would you be most like to choose? Most people have a preference for which they are more drawn to, some however aren’t sure which to choose.

Have you ever wondered which color metal would complement your skin tone or eye coloring better? Did you know there are certain rules to follow when trying to decide between gold and silver? What if you don’t choose either or, but instead wear both? We’re here to answer some of these questions for you!

 Skin Coloring for Gold and Silver

 We all have different hues to our skin to make it look the way that it does. Skin coloring has traditionally been a determining factor in choosing the color of metal to wear, as certain colors look better with others. Whether you have warmer or cooler skin tones helps to determine which color metal will look better on you. Though these aren’t the be all end all of jewelry choices, it’s a good place to get started.

Skin Tones vs Skin Coloring

 Skin tone should not be equated with skin coloring, as they are two different things and aren’t always what they might seem to be. Pale skinned people could still have a warm skin tone, as well as those that are dark-skinned could still have cool skin tones.

Some people don’t fall into one or the other category but instead, balance in the middle. These people typically have olive to ebony skin tones and can wear both silver and gold without one necessarily looking better than the other against their skin. If you are one of these people, consider yourself lucky!

Warm Skin Tones

An easy way to tell the skin tone that you lean towards is by looking at the veins in your wrist, as well as your hair and eye color. Warm skin tones typically have wrist veins that look to be brown or green. These people also have skin that tans easily. Their hair color tends to be darker- like brown or black.

 Cool Skin Tones

 Cooler skin tones have blue or purple veins in their wrists. They are more likely to get sunburnt and have lighter color haired, like blonde.

While this is a starting point for choosing your jewelry, it doesn’t have to be the sole deciding factor. You can also consider the occasion, the personality, and the type of jewelry that you are choosing. All of these factors, including skin tone, can play into helping you choose your perfect gold or silver item to add to your outfit!

If you need help picking out the next thing to add to your collection, stop by Isbell or give us a call. We have several silver and gold options to choose from. We would love to help you make the decision for what will work best for you!

 

summer style

Spring to Summer Transitions

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Summer seems to finally be making its way as temperatures are rising! Knowing how to transition your wardrobe can be difficult during the days where things are a bit cooler in the mornings, and warmer as the days go on. Even if you have to throw on a light sweater, you can definitely move into the new season with your colors.

Color Palette

Start to put away your darker colors and pick up the lighter and brighter ones. Instead of grabbing blacks, go for something navy to lighten things up. Add in pops of colors here and there. Bring back out the whites! Whether it be white pants, an accessory, or a layering piece- white is back in!

A great way to accent colors in your outfits is through jewelry. We have several items to choose from to brighten up your look.

  • Blue topaz earring studs: These blue topaz earring studs are a great example of a way to add color, while also keeping it subtle:
  • Vintage estate jade and pearl gold bangle: Bangles and bracelets bring the color more up front. This vintage estate jade and pearl gold bangle with green enamel would make a beautiful addition to your wardrobe for a warm touch.
  • Long tassel multi-color necklace: Not sure which color to choose? What about a variety? This long tassel multi-color necklace is a way to include colors in a dainty way!

Pearls

If you’re not sure that you want to branch out into colors, pearls are your next best friend! Pearls offer a lighter shade to brighten things, while keeping things simple and classy. Check out these pearl options we have available:

Summer Design

Colors aren’t the only way to spring into summer, but also the design of jewelry. Adding in hoops or drop earrings, layered necklaces or bracelets, and detailed rings all add summer like additions to any wardrobe.

Check out these options:

We would love to help you get your wardrobe ready for summer with new jewelry to accessorize! View our gallery for more options or give us a call today.

Spring Style

Spring Into Style

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As the seasons begin to change and spring begins to poke through the winter chill, you might be preparing to change out some items in your wardrobe. Not only do you need to begin trading your boots out for sandals, you can also consider how to transition your jewelry. Whether it’s the colors you choose or the way you style your jewelry, your wardrobe can speak of the coming season. Keep the following in mind as you transition to spring into style!

 

TRANSITIONAL JEWELRY

While winter styles are typically neutral and toned down, spring months bring the opportunity to stand out a bit more! As you begin to fade out the winter items in your closet it is easy to mix in simple, but bold pieces that quietly hint at the change of the season. Large, simple hoops add a more playful nature to an outfit to keep it fun, but not too overbearing. Modern Pearls are a great way to incorporate a lighter tone with some of your darker transition clothing articles. Any type of solid metal jewelry is another way to begin to shift your accessories from winter to spring.

 

Gold and pearl jewelry

 

 

POPS OF COLORS

Colors are one of the easiest ways to begin warming up your style. While keeping some of the winter neutrals around, you can also begin throwing in pops of color in your jewelry. As we move closer to spring, the colorful jewelry trend will begin to take off even more. Soft, pastel colors tend to be a popular choice during this time of year to slowly move from neutral to bold. The 2020 color of the year is blue, which can be the perfect tone to include in your jewelry choices to warm things up a bit with its bright and fun hues.

 

 

Light blue earring studs

 

SEASONAL STYLING

There are many ways to style your jewelry to signal the change in seasons. Styling bright-colored studs with some of your heavier winter blouses is a way to keep things subtle, but colorful. Incorporating a touch of color with a bracelet, a ring, or a pendant necklace allows you to keep your warm winter clothes on as long as need be but steps up the soon coming of a new season.

 

Soon the air will be warmer and we will be back to wearing tanks and sandals, but in the time between there are many ways to transition your style with the turning of the seasons. Pops of color, simple but bold jewelry, and styling appropriately around your light sweaters and scarves are the perfect ways to spring into style with the changing of the temperatures. Our gallery is full of options to help you plan the perfect wardrobe. Look around (online), or stop by the showroom and try some on for yourself!

 

 

pearl necklaces on table

New Jewelry Trends for 2020

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Upcoming jewelry trends for 2020 will call for both natural elements and glitz and glamour but both in a simplistic and chic way. Circles, spheres, orbs, chunky chains, but also a touch of the romantic heirloom pieces all graced the fashion runways. We have collected all the details from the high fashion catwalks and put them together so when you make your choices from your jewelry box- you are sure to be in style!

Circles and Spheres

Those favorite hoop earrings you love will keep you right in style this year-the the larger the better! Runways showed us that although earrings are sold in pairs, you don’t have to wear them that way. A large hoop on one side with a smaller pearl or gold spherical stud creates a collection instead of a pair. Any art deco inspired elements with the hoops or spheres are trends now too.

diamond bubble ring
Notice the spherical and also the stacked elements to this beautiful diamond bubble ring!
circle diamond gold necklace
The circular trend again with this gorgeous diamond pendant!

Chunky Layered Chains and Chokers

Yellow gold is still trending just as it was in the fall. This new year brings chunkier, thicker chained necklaces. Chokers layered thick and high upon the neck as well as long layers of chains are popular. You don’t have to stay with the yellow gold. White gold and silvers are celebrated also-it’s the lines of the jewelry that are the statement pieces. Y-shaped necklaces graced the runways and sometimes were even worn backward to add some glamour to barebacked gowns.

chunky silver bracelet
Chunky chain bracelets, chokers, and longer necklaces are right in style.
bangle bracelets
These layered bangle bracelets are a great way to balance the runway trends with everyday life!
diamond Y shaped necklace
We love the Y-shaped diamond necklace pictured here!

Art Deco and Heirloom

Along with the heavy chains and circular hoops, a touch of the romantic was added through heirloom and vintage pieces. The pop, sparkle, and color of the art deco era made it statement through the pieces also. The combination of the mechanical chains with the glitz of beautiful gemstones is a fun and fashionable way to wear a variety of pieces but stay in style. A touch of Bohemian flair with the heirloom pieces made some fun statements too!

art deco inspired sapphire ring
This ring is a great combination of art deco fun with glitz and glamour!
diamond art deco jewelry trend of 2020
These diamond art deco earrings are gorgeous!

 

Back to Nature

Many designs called for cues from nature including pearls, seashells, and tortoise shells. An eco-friendly vibe was moving across the runways. Pearls are a great way to capture these natural aspects and also incorporating the spherical trend.

pearl necklace
Gorgeous freshwater pearl drop necklace!
antique brooch with pearls
A combination of pearl with an heirloom brooch

If you have been inspired by these jewelry trends of 2020, stop by Isbell and let us help you find something that makes you feel even more beautiful and stylish today!

smiling woman opening gift

Choosing the Perfect Piece of Jewelry for Her…

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’Tis the season of gift-giving and the stress of choosing the perfect gift can really get to you. Perhaps you are feeling more “bah humbug” than “Merry Christmas.” We can help ease those holiday stressors with these tips for choosing the perfect piece of jewelry for her.

Take Notice of What She Wears…

    Take a look at what she wears daily. Are her earrings dangly or does she prefer studs? Is the jewelry she already has more yellow gold or white gold or silver? Is she a gemstone lover? Does she wear bracelets? Are her necklaces shorter or longer around her neck? All of these questions can help you discover her style. Maybe you are more of a visual learner? In that case, let’s look at some options from our gallery. 

length of necklaces

stud earrings vs hanging

yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold jewelry

Look at Your Budget…

Our showroom holds pieces from many different price points. Stop by and have a chat with us and we can present you with options. We know we can find the perfect piece of jewelry for her at a price you can afford. Keep in mind that a beautiful piece of quality jewelry will last decades or longer, and can be passed down through the generations. Most women would prefer a quality piece in their style over a lesser piece that will succumb to wear and tear over time.

Gift with Confidence…

Gary Chapman, author of the 5 love languages says this on the love language of gifts: “Don’t mistake this love language for materialism; the receiver of gifts thrives on the love, thoughtfulness, and effort behind the gift. If you speak this language, the perfect gift or gesture shows that you are known, you are cared for, and you are prized above whatever was sacrificed to bring the gift to you. A missed birthday, anniversary, or a hasty, thoughtless gift would be disastrous – so would the absence of everyday gestures. Gifts are visual representations of love and are treasured greatly.” While not everyone speaks the love language of gifts fluently, most everyone can appreciate the fact that you took the time to seek out something of worth for someone you love!

If you are still overwhelmed after reading this, then just get her a diamond!  (You can learn everything you need to know from our blog post on How to buy diamond earrings!) Stop by and see us and we can lead the way on choosing the perfect piece of jewelry for her!

gold gemstone rings

Fall for Gold

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autumn carries more gold in its pocket than all the other seasons
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Don’t you just fall in love with the beautiful leaves on the trees in autumn? We sure do! This autumn’s jewelry trends are following suit with those gorgeous golden leaves so much that we are proclaiming it “Fall for Gold” season. We know you will “fall in love” with it as much as we have! Read on to see just how you can pair beautiful gold jewelry with your fall wardrobe.

Casual Fall Gold

 Pair your gold bangle bracelets, layered gold necklaces and rings with a cute white t-shirt and comfortable jeans. Ankle boots and a pumpkin spice latte complete the chic ensemble. An oversized tunic in hunter green or coral color over black leggings and boots is complemented perfectly with a long chunky gold necklace and rings. Even while running around town completing errands, you can look stylish and feel confident by jazzing up these comfortable outfits with a bit of gold.

Gold bangle bracelets for fall

Dressy Casual Gold

 Bring on the sweater weather! Comfy sweaters in earth tones and a nice fitted denim skirt or jeans and accessorize with gorgeous yellow gold. Choose a gemstone piece with a little pop of color- Citrine, Emerald, or Sapphire stones wrapped in gold. These gorgeous stones pull cues from the beautiful fall foliage around us.

gold jewelry

Dressy Gold

From date night to holiday parties, your little black dress will look amazing paired with large gold earrings, layered necklaces, and gold rings. Diamonds complement any outfit but a diamond set in warm yellow gold against the black sets the tone for fun in the fall. Jewel-toned tops and dresses will look especially stunning and in style with your gold.

gold ring

We can’t wait to see how you “fall in gold” this autumn pairing your gold jewelry with any and every wardrobe choice. Not sure what to add to your outfit? Have a special event coming up? Come by Isbell and let us help you choose the perfect fall piece!