Sooooo.......

           Just how cold IS it where you are right now?

This morning on Oahu's North Shore
74 degrees on   1 - 17 - 15

As many of you know, I am in Hawaii - Yes, I get a lot of jealous 'hate mail' in my conversations with customers :)  I'm never hesitant to INSIST that ONE day, they must ABSOLUTELY visit this beautiful and diverse state.  Winter is my absolute favorite month in Hawaii........it's COLD for us when the temperature drops to the upper 50's and we have to wear socks and sweat pants to bed!  Sob, right?   LOL  OK, I better stop adding insult to injury!  Anyway.........you're here because we share a passion for jewelry.  Not just any jewelry, but Vintage Jewelry!  Whether you wear it, collect it or re-assemble them as I do, my blog has always been about encouraging you and equipping you to shop and/or make your own.  With no further adieu, I introduce.....

JEWELRY TRENDS IN 2015 - First Quarter

With 2014 in the back seat, it's time to look ahead into 2015 and see what's in store for jewelry trends.  The next time you're out and about, make it a point to check out the jewelry that women are wearing.  Chances are, over time, you will see a trend.  Whether or not it's "your" style or not, you will begin to notice trends; trends not only in jewelry, but fashion as well.  It's FUN!  It's like being your own SECRET SHOPPER.  I'm constantly checking out styles on others for ideas and inspiration.  After admiring something that I REALLY like, I inquire as to where they purchased the item and even ask if they would mind if I took a quick cell photo!  I've never been denied ;)

Now, you must know, that for me personally, I prefer the timeless beauty, style and elegance of vintage and antique jewelry.  I will choose vintage every time over something new and mass produced.  After all, you can always put a vintage 'spin' on just about everything, even trendy jewelry.
  

1. STATEMENT NECKLACES big and bold are such a strong trend for 2015 or for anytime you want to make a big impression with your jewelry.  Statement jewelry can be any kind of jewelry that makes a big impact - several bracelets on one wrist, generously sized chandelier earrings or the most common of statement jewelry, big and bold bib necklaces.  I've seen some pretty hideous statement necklaces out there, but I've also seen some unique beauties too.    

TIP:  Make sure to wear only one piece of statement jewelry at a time.

 Jewelry is the perfect way to bring life to an outfit and complement your best features. 

So, why not complete your look with an exceptional, bold and attention-grabbing piece of statement jewelry?

The modern pieces of jewelry can be gorgeous, however vintage-inspired jewelry brings a certain

 level of sophistication and makes the wearer look fabulous and unique.

New Word of the Quarter:  Vintage Assemblage - the aret of recycling and repurposing pieces of  vintage jewelry with other elements to recreate something new

2. BANGLES come in a variety of materials for a variety of looks and can really make a statement!  As you WATCH for trends, you're sure to have noticed girls walking around with wrists covered in gold and silver bangle bracelets.  What I love about these bangles is that you can add your OWN charms to these beauties.  PERSONALIZE bangles with shells, pearls, charms, initials, crystals, photo charms, etc.  

Consider bangle bracelets for their effortless and trendy style.

Handmade bangle bracelets easily slip over your wrist or open on a hinge, s
o throwing them on with anything is simple and fun!

   

3. SHELLS are timeless.  Maybe it's a "Hawaii Trend", but shells are definitely in here!  Whether you live near the ocean or dream to, or perhaps it's a reminder of that wonderful vacation, shells retain their natural iridescence and God made beauty.  Nothing manufactured or artificial here!  After all, the oldest known jewelry in the world consists of two perforated beads made from shells of a sea snail discovered in Israel!  Trendy shells + pearls are VERY popular in both earring and necklace trends.

 I have a personal appreciation for sunrise shells.  Generally, I am not a "shell jewelry" person. I think  my husband wishes I were, but it's a bit too "hippy-ish" for me (personally) to wear as jewelry.  That being said, our family does have a personal collection of SUNRISE SHELLS.  Some we have personally found, which is like a lottery ticket, and others we have purchased from local residents.  They are by far, the most beautiful and prized shell for shell jewelry...

OK,  a little Hawaiian.....puka is the Hawaiian word for "hole" and refers to the naturally occurring hole in the middle of these rounded and worn shell fragments.  The shell on the left is called a "puka shell and easily found on Hawaiian beaches.  When used in jewelry, it's very cool and very close to home.  A very popular beach or island style jewelry trend.

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I hope you've enjoyed this FIRST quarterly of 2015.  Even more so, I hope this has gotten

you EXCITED and INSPIRED!  Don't forget to take notice about jewelry trends you see

and let us know what YOU find.

Until next time, warmest aloha!  -Susan

         Visit my website HERE              Visit my store HERE

Mahalo Alana of MidWeek for your write-up on One Charming Treasure

Mahalo Alana of MidWeek for your write-up on One Charming Treasure...

      

" Thank You! "

       

Read MidWeek Article Here

Preserving the past one charm at a time is what Susan Valle, owner and jewelry designer of One Charming Treasure, is devoted to.  In 2010, while on a family vacation, this Texas native stumbled upon what she refers to as the most beautiful hoop earrings, with dangling charms and blue stones, in a London boutique. In an effort to replicate this exquisite accessory, she began dabbling in charm jewelry-making and quickly took a liking to it. It wasn’t long before this hobby turned into a successful business venture.

“My business philosophy is about celebrating life and to always be grateful, while striving to create beautiful and meaningful treasures for others,” Valle says. “We live in a throwaway world, and I’m all about preserving the past. It’s about the keepers, the treasures, items with heart and soul. I love to make something new out of pieces of something old and discarded – reuse and repurpose items, whether it’s furniture, jewelry or photos.”

For Valle, who moved to the Islands in 1985, creating custom photo jewelry is just another way of saving and showcasing family history.

Working out of her home office, a loft studio on the North Shore, she lets her creativity run wild. The result? Custom photo charms in the form of pendants, bracelets and wind chimes, repurposed vintage and costume jewelry, as well as charm jewelry available through her online store. Prices range from $20 to $295.

“What makes my business unique is your photos, your family, your babies, your pets, your special occasions and milestones in life in the form of personalized jewelry and charm mementos,” she explains. “I create charm jewelry that represents that one moment in time that you want to remember forever!

“I studied the basics of jewelry making and soldering in Kansas City, but it’s an accumulation of workshops, courses and hands-on experience throughout the years that has helped me develop my own approach to jewelry design. For example, I’ve always loved photography, and that love has driven me to take PhotoShop courses, educate myself with a number of software editing programs and experiment with hundreds of printing products,” Valle says.

Currently, Valle is experimenting with a line of accessories that she hopes to launch by the end of the year, and she’s continually working on new designs and trying new products, always in search of the perfect vintage pieces to complete her final product.

“Through this journey, I’ve found that making charm jewelry combines everything that I love and already have a strong affection for – family, photography, scrapbooking, vintage jewelry and the thrill of hunting for flea market treasures.”

As an entrepreneur, Valle believes that dedication, time and patience are key.

“It’s not a race, but a journey of rediscovering your own creativity,” she says. “It’s finding something that not only brings you joy, but brings joy to others. If you don’t absolutely and passionately love it, don’t do it.”

For more information on One Charming Treasure, visit OneCharmingTreasure.etsy.com,TheCharmHunter.com or TheCharmHunter.blogspot.com.

Pretty Little Vials...

These pretty little glass vials can hold your tiniest of treasures...

Add a couple decorative bead caps to fancy up your bottle.  You can roll up a tiny note, fill with 

glitter, sand, etc.  Seal with cork and add charms, shells, beads, etc to embellish your pretty little treasure.

                                                    See other finished products here