He went on to become the wealthiest Native American in the US. He took up ranching and helped the Comanches become relatively successful at ranching. They began to profit through leasing their land to cattle barons. Quanah, himself, took his money and invested in real estate and railroad stock.
Quanah Parker became one of the primary representatives of Native Americans to the US government. One of his most powerful connections was President Theodore Roosevelt.*
There is a town in North Texas named after him -- Quanah, Texas! My family lived there for a short time where my brother was born!
Native American-inspired themes run through my jewelry with turquoise and Navajo Pearls used in many of my pieces.
* Source: 10 Facts You May Not Know About Quanah Parker, Comanche Chief - OldWest
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The #3 gift for Valentine’s Day is a little quirky, but hang with me… it’s the ONE SIZE FITS ALL gift! 😆 But SERIOUSLY…sometimes bracelets are too small, necklaces are too tight/short, and you have no idea what her ring
size is, so what’s my answer to that?!! EARRINGS, HONEY BUNNY!!! There are all sizes of earrings, so here are a couple of options to choose from! These Concho Post Earrings are great for anyone and classic, sterling silver Native American handmade. The second option of earrings that are classic and go with anything, are these handmade Native American sterling silver Silver 3/4 Hoops. They are beautiful and timeless!
The #4 gift for Valentine’s Day is something TIMELESS AND CLASSIC! Building a timeless sterling jewelry collection requires careful selection of pieces that exude elegance and sophistication. These essential items possess enduring beauty, making them a must-have for any jewelry enthusiast seeking to create a versatile and classic collection. First on the list is the sterling silver necklace. A simple yet elegant necklace with a delicate chain and a timeless pendant can effortlessly elevate any outfit, adding grace and refinement. This sweet lil Black Agate Pendant will stand the test of time, hung on a beautiful sterling silver chain! It is sure to make her happy! Another timeless option that stays with the black stone theme is this GORGEOUS Black Onyx Bracelet with a lil flair of turquoise! This bracelet is Native American handmade. Pair it with formal attire or dress up your everyday look; this versatile accessory is perfect for every occasion.
The #5 gift for Valentine’s Day is maybe the most important! Besides telling your lover how much you love her, being able to tell your heirs how much you love them years later by handing down jewelry to them is priceless! LEAVE A LEGACY! Native American jewelry holds deep cultural significance and is often considered more than just adornments; they are cherished heirlooms that can be passed down through generations. These exquisite pieces, crafted with care and precision, carry stories of ancient traditions and spiritual beliefs. From intricately designed silver bracelets to delicate turquoise necklaces, each piece embodies the rich heritage of Native American tribes. Native American jewelry not only serves as a vibrant expression of cultural identity, connecting generations through intricate craftsmanship and artistic designs, but it also embodies a tangible link to ancestral wisdom and spiritual traditions. Passing down this jewelry to daughters or nieces symbolizes the transfer of ancestral wisdom, love, and respect for their roots. As these precious treasures are handed from mother to daughter or aunt to niece, a connection is forged between past and present, preserving the legacy for years to come. This Kingman Lariat is drop dead gorgeous and is a perfect black dress affair ‘go-to’. The stones are from the Kingman mine in AZ and are some of the most sought-after turquoise on the market. Another option in this category is the Turquoise Naja Necklace. This necklace is gorgeous, with 7 cabochon turquoise stones set in a naja shape, which is a timeless Native American setting!
Maybe you are reading this looking for a gift for yourself to hint to your partner or just to buy for yourself! Either way, there is plenty here to choose from!! Still haven’t made up your mind? Check out the Heart Collection and the Valentine’s Day Gift Guide Collection to help you through your decision-making process!! Need a gift for your husband?? Shop the MEN’S COLLECTION!!
Remember, it's important to consider your partner's personal style and preferences when choosing jewelry and also choose the piece that conveys your own personal message to your lover!
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So, what is PCJ's thesis question?? Here it is... "What is your Southern Jewelry Style?" You didn't know you had one, did you? 🤠😆 Well... Let me walk you through it! But let's flip the script. Let's start with the ANSWERS! 🤯
Are you a Classic Desert Rose, a Bohemian Cowgirl, a Southern Belle or a Rodeo Queen? Sounds fun, right??! From dainty to boho-chic to western, this quiz will help you discover what Prickly Cactus Jewels Collection suits your style!
Let the quiz walk you through questions about your own personal clothing style, to what your favorite color palette is, to what your favorite season of the year is! There are images to help guide you with each question!
What are you waiting for?! Let's have some fun! Start the quiz NOW!
When you are done, come back here and comment on this Blog what your style is!! Share in the FUN!
]]>Check out some of the fun pieces representing these influences in the Farm & Ranch Collection designed and curated just to celebrate my Texas family history!
]]>Czech immigration to Texas in the 1800s shaped my own history and, to this day, inspires in my jewelry designs!! I hope you have fun reading just a little bit about Texas history influences and enjoy the pieces I share with you that this history has touched!
A hope of a better future, a place for a family to buy land at a cheap price and grow a legacy... this is what Texas promised to Europeans. Texas offered opportunity to the families struggling in the overcrowded farmlands of Central Europe who left frustrated after the failure of the 1848 social uprisings on the European continent.
In 1839 Texas introduced the Homestead Law offering land for $0.50/acre compared to $1.25 in the US. As a result, Texas saw significant immigration. The first Czech immigrants came to Texas around 1850. The primary
way into Texas for Czech and Slavic immigrants was Galveston. They originally settled the central part of Texas, but my Czech ancestors arrived between 1870 and 1890, and settled in the Coastal Prairie around Damon, TX.
My family owned that same farmland in Damon until my grandmother and her 8 siblings passed away, and the family broke up the land (less than 100 acres) and sold it off about 10 years ago.
My grandmother spoke fluent Czech, and my father taught me Czech words as a child that I still remember to this day. My father actually carries a slight European accent (even if he doesn't know it) that comes out at times, which he picked up from his mother. He regularly drives from South Texas to Central Texas just to buy Czech sausage from his favorite Czech store in Shiner, Texas. We are proud of our Czech heritage and enjoy the foods and culture stemming from our heritage!
First and foremost, it is essential to understand that silver jewelry, particularly sterling silver, requires special care to maintain its lustrous shine. With these simple tips, you can keep your beaded or turquoise jewelry looking as stunning as the day you first wore it -- and if you follow these tips, your jewelry will stay stunning YEAR ROUND! Some of these may seem repetitive, but they are all important steps to keeping your jewelry clean, shiny and free of damage.
Store sterling silver in a cool, dry place, away from sunlight and moisture. This a first step to help keep your jewelry clean and free of tarnish. Sunlight and moisture will accelerate tarnish formation on silver. Tarnish is a natural process that occurs when sterling silver reacts with the sulfur compounds present in the air. By storing your silver jewelry in a cool and dry place, you can minimize its exposure to these compounds and slow down the tarnishing process.
Keep sterling silver in an airtight container or a sealed plastic bag to prevent oxidation. Keeping your silver sealed will keep your pieces shinier for much longer between polishings and slow down the silver reaction process to sulfur compounds in the air.
Use anti-tarnish strips or pouches in your storage container to absorb moisture and prevent tarnish. When you buy a PCJ piece of jewelry, you receive a free special velvet anti-tarnish pouch with every purchase! Keep your jewelry stored in that special pouch! With the air removed, the metal won’t be able to oxidize from the air.
Or if you don't have one of those special pouches, try storing your jewelry in a Ziploc bag with anti-tarnish strips! These strips are amazing! The absorb any moisture and will help keep your jewelry shiny!
Clean your sterling silver regularly with a soft cloth or a silver polishing cloth to remove any dirt or fingerprints. Over time, dirt, oils, and other substances can build up on the surface of your jewelry, leading to a dull appearance. Any soft, lint-free cloth will work to gently wipe away any surface dirt or dust, and of course a special silver polishing cloth works best for removing tarnish!
Avoid exposing to harsh chemicals, including soaps, bleach, chlorine or ammonia. When it comes to taking care of your turquoise and silver jewelry, it is essential to ensure that you avoid exposing it to harsh chemicals, including bleach, chlorine, acetone or ammonia. These chemicals can cause significant damage to the metal, leading to tarnishing or even corrosion.
Turquoise is a soft and porous gemstone, with a Mohs hardness scale rating of 5 to 6. Being soft and porous means that it is vulnerable to scratches and can easily be damaged by household cleaners, cosmetics, and even some types of soap. These pores will easily absorb liquids, leading to discoloration or damage, eventually becoming dull, losing its vibrant color over time. Additionally, the chemicals in soap can strip the stone's natural oils, making it more prone to cracking or chipping. 😉 Avoid the damage – take off your jewelry before scrubbing those counters or dishes!
Remove your sterling silver before swimming or showering, as exposure to water and chemicals can tarnish. This is so important, I wanted to reiterate the previous points made! For all the reasons mentioned above, take your semi-precious jewelry off before swimming, cleaning the home or washing your hands! Your turquoise will last longer and your silver will stay shinier between polishings! 🤩
Wear your silver often, as natural oils in your skin help prevent tarnish. Your silver jewelry will still tarnish over time due to all the above factors mentioned, including exposure to air, moisture, and certain chemicals. It seems counterintuitive to be told to wear your jewelry often to prevent tarnish, but it is actually true for silver jewelry. This is why you may have noticed that silver jewelry you wear frequently remains bright and shiny for a longer time compared to pieces that are left sitting in a drawer for extended periods.
If you want to be able to keep your turquoise beautiful for years to come and pass on your pieces as heirlooms to your children and other family members, it is important to follow all of these care and maintenance techniques discussed. Following these guidelines will ensure that your silver jewelry remains radiant and beautiful for years!!💎💠
Do you need a little polishing cloth? You can grab a small one to use on your pieces here! Grab a couple to keep in various places.
Need a Cheat Sheet to remember all of these great tips?! Download this PCJ Care Guide Checklist to keep handy or to share with friends!
]]>National Best Friend Day is celebrated every year on June 8th to celebrate the deep bond of friendship shared by best friends. It's a day you can show appreciation for the special people in your life -- for those besties who have been there through thick and thin! Our best friends are considered our family (SFAM -- YASS!), so let's recognize them on National Best Friend Day. And you can do that especially through the unique gift of turquoise! 🤩
Turquoise jewelry is a meaningful and symbolic gift, and it happens to be known as the friendship stone! It is also associated with spiritual grounding, good luck, and loyalty, making it a perfect symbol of the friendship shared between you and your best friend. The stone is stunning and captivating and has been treasured for centuries.
There are so many unique and meaningful ways to gift turquoise jewelry to your bestie
on National Best Friend Day. Turquoise necklaces, bracelets, and earrings are popular options, and can be customized to suit individual styles and preferences. Handmade or one-of-a-kind pieces, like jewelry from Prickly Cactus Jewels, add a personal touch and make the gift even more special.
To celebrate a bold and beautiful best friend, consider giving her this turquoise nugget Comanche Blue Necklace. It is understated to compliment her beauty and bold attitude! If she loves beaded jewelry, it is a great choice!
Is your bestie a fierce fighter for her friends and family? Does she stand up for justice at every turn, finding herself in the heat of the fight each time? Celebrate her friendship by giving her this Cowgirl Up! Necklace or Wild Horse Bracelet! Let her know that she can never be bridled!
Has your friend taught you to stand on your own two feet or are you encouraging her to be more independent? Give her a reminder to follow her own way through gifting her this silver Follow Your Arrow Necklace! It provides the perfect silver jewelry aesthetic! Silver jewelry can be just as special to gift as the Friendship Stone!
Or remind her that she can walk to her
own beat of the drum with these amazing Frontier Hoops! They are loaded with fun and colorful turquoise spiny oyster beads!!
Regardless of the chosen gift, giving turquoise jewelry is a beautiful way to celebrate the bond of friendship on National Best Friend Day.
Download this quick Friendship Gift Guide for reference while you shop the PCJ site!
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There are so many amazing Texas women, but for the month that we celebrate mothers, I wanted to highlight one famous Texas Mother who may not be known to you! She stands out as someone who truly impacted Texas history.
Jane Long is known as ‘Mother of Texas’. Without her contributions to Texas, this state may not be what it is today.
She gave birth to a baby girl on Bolivar Peninsula in December 1821. She believed she was the first Anglo woman to ever deliver a baby in Texas! Census data contradicts her claim, but her nickname and legacy as the “Mother of Texas” stuck!
She followed her husband to Texas in 1819, who was already here fighting the Spanish for Texas freedom. He was captured by the Mexican forces and taken to Mexico City and shot and killed.
Jane went on to apply for title to land in Fort Bend County and a labor of land in Waller County in 1824. She sold a portion of her Ft Bend County land to Robert E. Handy who developed Richmond, Texas!
She is also famous for starting a couple of boarding houses, one in Brazoria and one in Richmond. She hosted famous Texans like Sam Houston, Mirabeau Lamar and William B. Travis. Her boarding houses created central safe meeting places for Texas freedom fighters, and the Brazoria boarding house is said to be the location where Stephen F. Austin declared war!
She was also courted by a few of these same men, although she never remarried. She was laid to rest in a Richmond, TX cemetery.
What a fierce, independent woman!
There are so many other mothers who impacted Texas and our country. Did you know that a woman named Bette Nesmith Graham invented a product now known as Liquid Paper in 1956?! She was from Dallas, Texas and developed it as a bank secretary to help other secretaries! And who doesn’t know Mary Kay Ash, founder of the business Mary Kay cosmetics in 1963! She was originally from Hot Wells, Texas. So many women have been impacted through her business!
So many stories of amazing women starting something amazing, and at any stage in life. No matter what age you are, do you have a dream of doing something? Starting a business or creating something no one has thought of? It is NEVER too late!! DREAM BIG, GIRL!! You never know who you will impact just chasing your dreams!
]]>Our Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo always kicks off with a trail ride, parade, and the famous World Championship bbq cookoff weekend, which is something to behold if you have never seen it. There are over 250 tents (as far as the eye can see!) filling up NRG Stadium’s parking lot, and these tents are full of amazing bbq and drinks! And after that opening weekend, the real fun stuff begins!! The nightly rodeo events include amazing musical entertainment, and it is always fun to shop the vendors and check out the livestock show. The kids love the Midway and seeing all the animals!
But what I really love most about Rodeo Season is the fashion!! Houston is a fast-paced business city where men and women adorn suits and heels on a daily basis. But when Rodeo comes to town everything slows down, and this city gives the trail rider and the cowboy hat and cowboy boots due respect!! In fact, everyone puts on the boots and hat!
I wanted to share a couple of my around-town shopping favs… and give some jewelry tips for rodeo for both guys and gals!
First of all, if you make it to Houston, you MUST shop at The Hat Store for your next cowboy hat. These guys have amazing quality hats, and the service is impeccable. They will style it any way you want it and the assortment of selection is beyond anything I have seen in any western store! One hat purchased here and they will have you coming back again and again! I should know… I just got mine a month ago and LOVE IT!
For boots, I cannot say enough about Texas Cowboy Boot Company! You can customize your cowboy boots from the type of leather selected to color to all the stylings about the boot! It is a fun process to go through, and everyone needs to own at least ONE custom pair of cowboy boots. It may take 4-20 weeks to get your boots once ordered, but the wait is well worth it. You will not own a more comfortable pair of shoes than the ones you get from TCB! And NO ONE will have anything like it! You will stand out in a crowd in your new custom boots!!! The Bragging Rights are FOR REAL! (And these can be worn year around… I do it. You can too!)
For you Ladies, let me address the jewelry… in order to finish out your outfit, you must complete it with the turquoise and silver! This is authentic cowgirl styling. Don’t skimp on this one thing… it will last you a life time! You will pass on the turquoise jewelry to your children or grandchildren. You can go big and bold with a beautiful squash blossom like this one, or keep it simple with a chic silver necklace like this Bear Paw Necklace. And don’t be afraid to pair it with some Navajo pearls or a simple turquoise nugget necklace (or 3 or 4!)! My personal fav is this Heishi Choker! It hangs perfectly at the bottom of the neck and shows off whether you wear a tank top or a button-down white shirt! But don’t forget to pick out your earrings and rings for the outfit too! This Triple Nelson Turquoise Ring is TO. DIE. FOR. And it wears so comfortably!! For earrings, I would recommend these Vaquera Dangle Cluster Earrings! They are adorable! If you are looking for more styling ideas, check out my Insta account!
Guys, I haven’t forgotten you!! A turquoise necklace is A MUST for you in your boots and hat!! Seriously. And this blue heishi turquoise necklace found here is sleek and bold! But if you like your turquoise more on the green side, then go with this one, which is a little subtler and more rugged looking. Which ever you choose, you will get a ton of compliments; I promise. My husband wears his all the time, and guys are ALWAYS asking him where he got his!
Happy Rodeo’ing! Follow me on Insta, FB and Pinterest! We will be posting our own Houston Rodeo pictures soon!!!
GIDDY UP and SHOP!
]]>Here are a few things that happened over the last year!!!
Year in Review:
That is 2018 in a nutshell, and while these were some pretty big happenings, 2019 is BIGGER!!!! So what’s happening next year, you ask?! Read on, My Sweet!
The Look Ahead:
The plans for 2019 are big, and maybe things won’t happen exactly as I hope or expect… but just maybe they will be bigger and better than hoped!! Maybe we will inspire you along the way too!!!
The Long Game
So many entrepreneurs work their side hustle while going to a regular job during the week. This is not easy. While my family is hanging out on weekends, a lot of my time is spent photographing or designing jewelry or crafting blog posts/newsletter emails to YOU! I am working hard to build a recognizable brand through media, press and social media recognition. I love doing this – like crazy love it - and my end game is to do THIS full time. Because in the end, all this is to show my daughters that they can do anything they want if they just put their minds to it and put in the hard work.
So with all that said, I wanted to wish you and your family a happy new year! You are amazing inspiration to me! And I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being a part of this journey! May God bless you this year!!
Sincerely
Donnette.
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I have been super busy these last couple of months preparing the new Holiday Collection and all the gift guides! I really try to make life easier for you, because I know how hard it can be to juggle home, work and all the other stuff you have to get done! I do it too!!!
So to get you ready for ALL those holiday parties you are attending this year, I wanted to give you some tips on what to wear the jewelry ideas to pair with your sexy outfits!
Tip #1: Bright colors are in! From bright yellows to royal blues, it will work this season! Don’t be afraid to march to your own color drum!
Tip #2: Jumpsuits! Don’t be shy – you can wear it too! They are playful, sexy, cool and are in all kinds of styles. And if you can find one with sparkle – do it!
Tip #3: Polka dots – YES! They are classic, yet whimsical, and perfect for a party!!!
To help you pair jewelry with your gorgeous dress, let me point out some beautiful pieces found at Prickly Cactus Jewels!
The Cera Necklace – This gold necklace has garnet and gold beads wire wrapped through the circle pendant and hangs just below the neck at 17”. The rich red of the garnet is very holiday party!
The Pearl & Crystal Drop Earrings – Nothing is more classic than pearl earrings, and they are perfect for the holiday. These earrings sparkle and dangle beautifully and would go perfect with any little black dress!
The Koko Stack – Stack rings are a must! And this stack is all red, gold and white shimmer!!
The Vita Bracelet – Gold in all its glory! Sometimes you want to keep the jewelry simple while you kick it up a notch with the dress! This simple gold bracelet is 7 strands of gold chain wrapped around your wrist. And it will be perfect to continue wearing year round!
Y-Style Bar Tassel Necklace – Sexy,sleek and a show stopper! Pair this deep Y-style necklace with a deep cut dress and all eyes on you! Seriously! Watch out! Layer this with other chains, as well, like the Gold Beaded Choker Chain!
Now you are ready! Get to shopping and have fun and stay safe this holiday season!
]]>So I wanted to remind you of some ways to relax and try to get away from the hustle and bustle.
1. Shop for Yourself. Shopping does not have to be JUST for the kids! I love to take this time to fill in my fall wardrobe! Yes it is super hot here still in Houston, but I already crave the fall weather. So pick out a cute sweater or tunic top. And pair it with a beautiful Prickly Cactus Jewels necklace or earrings!!! Awesome picks for the fall are:
Circle Drop Earrings - They go with EVERYTHING!
7 Strand Chain Bracelet - Daywear to Eveningwear!
2. Wear Amethyst. Did you know that Amethyst promotes calm and peaceful energy? It also promotes strong intuition and insight. So adorn yourself with amethyst stones!! They are beautiful, and you can find a number of amethyst jewelry pieces in the Desert Nights Collection!
Shop HERE for your fav amethyst selection!
3. Take Long Baths. Baths can elevate your mood and help you sleep better. They even help to lower your blood pressure. All this will help you leave your stresses behind and soak your troubles away! Add in some scented Epsom salts for additional healing properties and relaxation! My fav scent is lavender.
4. Escape for Coffee or Tea. Take time out of your busy day for you to enjoy a cup of coffee or tea when no one else can bother you. There is something comforting about holding that warm mug in your hands, looking out into your back yard or off your balcony into a peaceful environment. Take the time to slow down. Enjoy the coffee!!
5. Get Puppy Kisses and Kitten Cuddles!!! Yep I said it. I hope you have access to a cute puppy or a pretty little kitten! Because their love is soothing and relaxing. The very touch of a puppy drains stress from your body. They even help you sleep better at night!
Listen Girl, You are busy making life happen for everyone in need around you. Don’t forget to take care of yourself through the process. You deserve to buy something new. You deserve to take time out of your busy schedule for a relaxing bath or a cup of tea. And you definitely need puppy kisses in your day!!!!
Shop calming amethyst jewelry HERE!
I designed the new Desert Nights Collection with you in mind, knowing you will choose something out of this collection to carry with you everywhere! The themes within this collection are ‘Circle of Life’ and ‘Female Empowerment.’ The circle forms wire wrapped together convey a story of life legacy. As a woman, you aspire to be strong and to grow up your daughters (and sons, of course!) to be strong as well. This may be the most difficult, but also the most rewarding, thing you do. This collection is meant to be worn as a reminder to you that you are strong and can accomplish great things!!!
Even in the solitude of a Desert Night, there is clarity of vision and a closeness to your Maker. There is no complication; just resolve knowing you can do anything!
The names of the different pieces represent the rich colors from the Arizona mines where garnet, amethyst and peridot are pulled from deep within the earth. The names also represent life and the beauty of the night.
And of course the gold used throughout this collection sparkles like the desert sands, which sparkles even in the darkest night.
Embrace your strength and authenticity. Wear jewelry designed with you in mind.
Shop the Desert Nights Collection HERE.
]]>Read on to find out about the latest category of jewelry filling the gap between costume jewelry and fine jewelry.
]]>Demi-Fine Jewelry.
What is it? What is so special about it? Why do you need to know about it?
First, let’s talk about jewelry categories as you have always known them. There is of course fine jewelry and then there is costume or fashion Jewelry. Fine jewelry usually costs thousands of dollars and is reserved for special occasions such as engagements, anniversaries, etc. Fine jewelry consists of precious gemstones (diamond, sapphire, ruby or emerald) and 14k solid gold or greater. Styling usually centers on classic and timeless looks that can be worn for generations.
Costume or fashion jewelry is more flamboyant and fun to wear. Its materials consist of glass, beads, crystals, acrylic, brass, bronze, and leather. Price point can range from $1 to $50, and these pieces will not last for long. The gold tarnishes or wears off and the glass (stones) can break or easily fall out.
Now for that gap I was talking about… The huge hole left between $30 necklace and $1000 necklace… Do you see it??
In the last couple of years a new category of jewelry has emerged called Demi-Fine Jewelry.
What is it? Well, it is a category of jewelry that consists of both precious and semi-precious stones and uses precious metal such as gold and/and silver, but perhaps at a lower carat. Its exterior can consist of gold plating (electro plated with very thin layer of gold over brass base – does not last long as layer wears off), vermeil (a thicker gold plating over silver – layer can wear off but over longer period of time), or be gold filled (2-3 layers starting with silver or brass core and gold layer bonded to the core with total weight being at least 5% or greater 14k gold— can last for a very long time and can be treated just like 14k gold).
The stones are genuine and can be precious or semi-precious, including opals, aquamarine, amethyst, or turquoise; or may not be stones at all but organic matter such as pearls, coral or amber. Lab created stones are often used in this category to provide a lower price point and greater sense of environmental and/or ethical wellbeing for buyers.
What is so special about this category of jewelry? You can have the look of fine jewelry but at an affordable price point, and no one but YOU will ever know the price you paid! You can stay on trend because demi-fine jewelry is usually fashion forward yet made to last for many years to come. Design for this category is usually subtle vs the ostentatious or super trendy look of costume jewelry.
Why do you need to know about it? Because…This category of jewelry isn’t going anywhere!! In fact, it grows at least 6% year over year in the marketplace. So you, my dear jewelry lover, can stay current, but maintain minimalist styling which will work for many years to come. Demi-fine jewelry was created specifically for YOU – the woman buying a luxury for herself!
Some care tips for demi-fine jewelry. Pay attention to the gold plated vs gold filled, etc. For gold plated pieces, take care in wearing it to avoid excessive sweat, lotions or spending any length of time in a pool, as plating can wear off. If it contains certain types of stones, do not use an ultrasonic cleaner, as these might shake the stone loose (especially if it is glued). Sometimes soap and water with a soft brush (I like using an old soft toothbrush) is all you need to clean it. Always check with the seller on care instructions. If you care for it properly, it can last for many, many years!
So embrace the semi-precious stones!! Embrace the gold filled chains (they look and act just like solid gold!)! They are on trend and really fun to wear! Start accessorizing!
Shop these gold filled earrings here!
Shop 14k, gold-filled, and silver stack rings here!
Want to join the Prickly Club to receive blog posts to your inbox?! Join here!
]]>Below is MY list of jewelry essentials, because these are the items I grab for week in and week out as i move from day wear to evening wear. Ok, so I don't have much of an opportunity for evening wear these days, but when I do...I grab with enthusiasm!!! :D
1. Diamond Stud Earrings
Diamond stud earrings are at the top of the must have list. If you are on a budget find a high quality cubic zirconia set of studs set in 14k gold – just don’t skimp on the gold! Find 14k or MAYBE gold filled, but stay away from gold plated for this item (more on this concept in my next blog post!!!). They will last much longer and shine brighter keeping this in mind. But these earrings are a must. You will wear them day in and day out with EVERYTHING!
2. Simple Necklace to go with Everything
A minimalist necklace that will go with anything you wear. I like to keep two simple necklaces in my jewelry collection. Some days I feel like going gold, and other days are a silver day! From a simple heart charm to a druzy crystal pendant, if you keep it classic you can wear it with anything. Find a druzy or heart pendant necklace here.
3. Statement Earrings
For that going out occasion with a little black dress, you will want a simple, classic look that stands out. Statement earrings are the perfect ‘go to’ jewelry for any kind of special evening out. No need to wear a necklace to match… the earrings will speak for themselves! Make them bold, colorful and dangly!!! Here is a great pair of tassel earrings that are perfect for a night out!!
4. Long Chain Necklace
You can create great looks, from layering to a single chain. If it is long enough, you can even double it up. You can wear it with a t-shirt or with a suit! Day or night. This doesn’t have to be high quality, but just make sure it sparkles and shines nicely. Check the Prickly Cactus website this weekend for updates -- I am adding some beautiful chains! (Yep - I am STOKED!)
5. Hoop Earrings
Hoops come in all colors and sizes, adorned with gemstones and without. My personal fav is just a super simple gold or silver 2” hoop. The ideal size is between 1 to 2 inches depending on your facial shape. Pair hoops with jeans and heels for a night out to glam things up!! Here is a great simple pair of gold hoops!
Shop your MUST HAVES here!!
Still to come is the next 5 essentials!!! Stay tuned...
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