NEW! You're Invited to our BID BOX COLLECTION!

 

THE ART OF  HOLIDAY GIVING

The holidays are a time to celebrate, give thanks, and connect with family and friends.  I hope you make time to do just that!

With the holidays upon us, now is the perfect time to put a dent in that shopping list with these beautiful treasures.  There's a style to fit every budget!

Join my newsletter and receive 10% off any order!  

Merry CHRISTmas & a Happy and Healthy New Year to you all!

This elegant disc pendant is extremely detailed and intricately 'carved' with an intertwining leaf pattern. It is finished in an antiqued silver color with rhinestones, giving it a sparkling and sophisticated feel, hung from a black leather cord necklace.  Completely handcrafted.

Everyone needs a watch!  But not just any watch.  This vintage style cuff bracelet watch can be taken on and off in a second and features a constellation of starry crystals and mother-of-pearl dial with Arabic numbers in gold.                                                        

           

Start a new family tradition THIS Christmas with personalized photo ornaments.
They're two sided so you can add your greeting on the back.

The perfect personalized gift!

Can't decide???  Give the gift of choice.  Let your favorite person choose their own treasure!  You CAN'T go wrong!   They can place a custom order or choose from over 200 one-of-a-kind items.

                                       

Need Inspiration?  Visit the Etsy store here

Warmest aloha to you all, Susan

Welcoming Fall...

"Autumn, the year's last, loveliest smile." -William Cullen Bryant

Hawaii does get some color changes in the fall.  Nothing compared to the mainland, 

but subtly signs in color and temperature get us excited for fall and winter.

Longing to wear your Fall wardrobe again?  Updating your jewelry can be the fastest (and least expensive) way to give your closet a much-needed boost of newness.  So get to know (and shop) the Fall jewelry trends of the season, right here, right now!  "Fall" in love with these new Fall favorites, there's a style to fit every budget. Customize your own style today! 

Need some inspirations?  www.TheCharmHunter.com

"Fall " in love with these trendy Fall favorites! 

How charming is this?  Each bracelet is a collaboration effort made to order with YOUR own requests, photos, and desired style and colors.  Makes a lovely gift idea - order one for you and one for a gift!

Dual purpose jewelry AND photo charm holder!  A creative way to not only hold your jewelry, but also precious photo charms of your loved ones.

 "The Colors of Fall"  A beautiful assemblage necklace made from vintage elements in shades of gold, peach, coral, and ivory. One of a kind.  

Can't decide?  Not sure?  Let them choose!
Gift certificates make the perfect choice.

What's you're favorite Fall jewelry fashion?  Add your photos here and SHARE with us!

Aloha from Hawaii until next quarter, Susan

Visit my shop here        Visit my website here

THE  H-E-A-T  IS ON!

DARE TO WEAR THESE 

SUMMER TRENDS...

Ahhh, Summertime.... kids are out of school, WATER, picnics, vacations, weddings, hikes, and barbecues are what come to mind.  Relaxing opportunities to spend with family and friends and recharge relationships.  

Do it in style with these sunny trends...

                        

                                     Coral Crush !

 Make a statement, without saying a word.  Celebrate summer in refreshing

shades of pink, salmon and coral. 

Bold & Beautiful !

summer essentials...

            cuffs & charm bracelets are in !

                         Fresh Finds for wherever you're headed to this summer

Summer wish list...

                      Personalized bangles

                    Bangles are all the rage these days - Create cute bangle 
              bracelets personalized with photos and charms....TOO CUTE!

What's you're favorite Summer jewelry?  Add your photos here and SHARE with us!

Aloha from Hawaii until next quarter, Susan

  

Visit my shop here        Visit my website here

I hope you've enjoyed this third quarterly post of 2015.  Even more so, I hope this has gottenyou EXCITED and INSPIRED!  Don't forget to take notice about jewelry trends you seeand let us know what YOU find.

THE BEST JEWELRY TRENDS FOR SPRING 2015

                           

SPRING IT ON!

So have you been watching, observing and taking mental notes?  I sure have!  In my first quarter post I suggested making a point to check out what styles of jewelry women are wearing - where you live and work, see on actress or in print.  Chances are over time you will see a trend.  Whether or not it's your style, you will notice trends not only in jewelry but fashion as well. 

Fashion Top 3:

Here's the scoop on all things bijoux for the coming season—from bracelets to pendants, romantic ideals, and mismatched innovations.  

New Word of the Quarter:     BIJOUX      ( ˈbēZHo͞o )  a jewel or trinket

1. Chandelier Earrings

Like the glamour of chandelier lighting in a room, the same is said for chandelier earrings.  Their aesthetic appeal adds a bold statement to any outfit. 

See more Chandelier Earrings here

2. Stacking Bracelets

Fashion's relaxed and simple styles call for casual accessories, including layered looks on the hand.  These can be plain, simple, sparkly, covered with gemstones, or intense design.  Build a bigger bolder look with lots of intermingled styles.

See more bangles here

3. Layering Necklaces

The relaxed silhouettes of Spring coupled with a bonanza of different necklines means that layering styles will be worthwhile additions to your jewelry box.  You may have already seen layered necklaces sold in layered sets of two, three or more.  These pieces can be multi-strands or singles layered with others.

See layered necklace here

on my RADAR...

 ESTATE JEWELRY ~ STAYED TUNED!

What Do You Think? add YOUR comments and photos here

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.

                                              

Aloha until next quarter, Susan

View my shop here                       View my website here

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.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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

December DIY - EASY Wrapping & Bows Tutorial

December DIY

QUICK & EASY WRAPPING IDEAS!

'Tis the season to learn new tricks and get inspired 

with packaging ideas from The Charm Hunter

Oh my how the year has flown by!  Here we are just days before

Christmas.  It has been such a pleasure to share with you some of

my Vintage Jewelry Assemblage projects with you throughout the

year and my hope remains the same, to INSPIRE and ENCOURAGE.

So now what?  We have all these lovely gifts
both handmade and store bought, how do we wrap
these lovelies in quick and easy handmade gift wrap?

1. Think simple

   This trick reminds me of my dear mother-in-law, Margaret.  She came to visit us

in Hawaii soon after we were married and insisted on buying us our very first

Christmas tree and ornaments to "get us started".  What a sweetheart, I was so

touched and never forgot it.........even today, 28 years later.  HER TIP:   Start

with white (or any neutral color).  That way each year you can introduce another 

color and it will always match as you build up your collection of ornaments.

And that's what we did.  I had a beautiful green tree full of an assortment of

all white ribbon and ornaments.  I wish I had a photo of it; truly I thought it looked 

like a designer's Christmas tree, and each year thereafter I introduced a new color.

   So, use the same concept!  Using white wrapping paper, white butcher paper, brown

paper bags or brown packaging paper will give you an inexpensive base to work with.

Even black & white newspaper makes a classic wrap and save the comics to use to wrap 

children s' gifts!

Black & White Newspaper makes a CLASSY wrap!

                                                

Comics make the PERFECT wrap for children of ALL ages!

                                      

2. Think "outside" the box, as in "outdoors"

   Once you have your neutral base, ANY element you add will match and add an

impressive POP to your wrap.  Instead of a traditional bow, GO OUTSIDE!  Snip

greenery from your own yard or surroundings.  Rosemary, tree sprigs, berries, shells,

leaves, pine cones,  

flowers that preserve well like baby's breath, statice and lavender....the possibilities

are endless!  Last resort?  Snip some of the back branches of your Christmas tree off!

Use twine, string or ribbon - whatever you have - to secure.

Snip a piece of real (or artificial) Christmas tree branch! 

3. Reduce, reuse and repurpose

   An option to adding something from the outdoors is to reuse things you already

have INDOORS:  artificial flowers or greenery, teabags, paper doilies, candy, buttons, 

confetti, stickers, spare outdoor Christmas light bulbs, netting, lace, burlap, yarn, jewelry, 

and charms!  Last resort?  Let the kids draw their very own pictures on the wrap with colorful

markers or crayons!

Real lace OR paper doilies look beautiful when placed over white OR brown paper

4. Add snappy bows for the finishing touch

   For you traditionalist, bows NEVER go out of style!  Here's a few CUTE tutorials I

recently stumbled upon for some clever bow making:

MAGAZINE BOWS!

How clever is this?  Click here for the tutorial on these bows made with recycled magazine paper!

ORIGAMI BOWS!

I saw this tutorial here.  Your computer can translate for you OR just
follow the photo instructions with a 3" x 3" or 4" x 4" square piece of paper

PERFECT TINY RIBBON BOWS!

My good friend Marge sent me this cool tutorial

What’s your favorite addition to 

a practically-perfect package? 

Share your ideas & photos with us!

             Visit my shop here                 Visit my website here

  

Warmest Aloha, Susan