Kim Kardashian's Blings

Kim Kardashian is known for her one of a kind fashion sense. They reflect her outrageous personality. Some of her bling jewelry is wacky, exotic, bold which compliments Kim;s personality.

Here are some of our blings under $25 that you could choose from Duel on Jewel Collection

Statement Fashion Pendant

Turquoise Chic Cuff

Peral and Swarovski Cocktail Ring

Glamorous Fashion Earrings at Cannes Film Festival 2012

Red carpet at Cannes Film Festival 2012 was glittering with the likes of  Naomi Watts, Jada Pinkett-Smith, Jessica Chastain, Salma Hayek, Jane Fonda  and Freida Pinto to name a few. What did they all have in common?

 Glamorous Fashion Earrings that added a sparkle to their eyes and lit up their faces. I happen to think that  earrings can add a lot of face appeal and draw instant attention.  Highlight your eye color by wearing a complimentary color stone earring. 

Silver Fashion Dangle Earrings available at www.duelonjewel.com

CZ Dangle earrings available at www.duelonjewel.com

The Popularity of Lac/Lakh as Fashion Jewelry - 2

Accessorizing with Lac/Lakh Jewelry

Lac/Lakh is a must have in every jewelry box. The wide range of colors found in Lac/Lakh makes it easier to wear it with a number of outfits. Lac/Lakh earrings blend very well with formal, casual or chic wear. No ethnic wear is complete without bangles. Wear different colored Lac/Lakh bangles to match your outfit. Combine them with gold, silver or metal bangles and add panache to your look. A Lac/Lakh necklace set adds sparkle to any traditional dress.

In Conclusion…

Over the years different empires like Rajputs and Mughals that ruled Rajasthan have influenced Lac/Lakh jewelry designs. Today Lac/Lakh is made in other parts of India and exported all over the world. This exotic tribal jewelry has inspired jewelry designers to design Lac/Lakh pieces with crystals and cubic zirconium.

Shop for exotic tribal fashion jewelry at http://www.duelonjewel.com

The Popularity of Lac/Lakh as Fashion Jewelry - 1

My fascination for Lac/Lakh jewelry started when I was a teenager. I was browsing through an array of colorful bangles in a shop back in India and my eye caught the sight of a gorgeous set of magenta bangles. They were very intricately made with a combination of different shapes of mirrors and rhinestones. The shopkeeper saw the sparkle in my eyes and said, “Madam, they are Lac Churiya(Bangles). They bring good luck”.  And he went on to show me scintillating sets of bangles that were very hard to resist. That day I spent my entire monthly allowance, carrying home several boxes of good luck.

What is Lac/Lakh?

Lac or Lacquer is an exotic handcrafted tribal jewelry from Rajasthan India, which is now the fashion rage of urban areas. This traditional craft has been passed down through generations. Therefore the skill of the artist still produces beautiful authentic Lac/Lakh pieces.

Lac is the scarlet resinous secretion from a Lac-producing insect known as Laccifer lacca. They are cultivated to make Lac/Lakh jewelry. These plant-sucking insects colonize branches on host trees and secrete the scarlet resinous pigment. The coated branches are then cut and harvested as sticklac. The harvested sticklac is crushed, sieved and washed to remove impurities. The end product called shellac is further heated to remove more impurities.

The Process…

A medium sized Lac/Lakh pendent or earring goes through 9 different craftsmen and takes about 10 to 15 hours to get the desired result. Each craftsman has his own skill set and contributes towards the uniqueness of the piece. The main artist does the designing of the jewelry piece and a metal die of the design is made. Then both sides of the design are imprinted on silver foils to make a hollow shell. Depending on the artists design the color of the enamel is etched and fired in a kiln to fuse it. There are 9 different basic enamel colors.  Lac is then filled in the hollow silver foil shell to give it strength. The piece is cleaned and polished with gold. Rhinestones, mirrors and glass beads are then pressed into the silver foil depending upon the design. Small pieces are joined together to form a big earring or necklace. 

 The process of making the Lac/Lakh bangles is slightly different. The inner diameter of the bangle is made up of metal. The size and width of the metal is decided depending on the artists design. Lac is then mixed, kneaded, hammered and heated repeatedly to get the desired consistency. The dough is then rolled and shaped over the metal and fused to add strength to the bangle. Bangles are then embellished with beads, mirrors and rhinestones for that sensual look. 

Shop for exotic tribal jewelry at http://www.duelonjewel.com

Fashion Jewelry adds pizzazz to your style

Jewelry is an accessory that helps to enhance your outfit and style, do not let it overshadow you. What looks good on others might not necessarily look good on you. It is very important to wear the right amount and kind of jewelry that compliments your style. Here are a few tips on how to accessorize your outfit with fashion jewelry.

Know yourself

Your Personality

If you have an introvert personality, remember bold is not always beautiful. People with an extrovert personality can carry off big and bold pieces of jewelry effortlessly. Just don’t wear all bold pieces at the same time.

Your Body

Jewelry can also be used to distract the eye away from a part of your body like long dangle earrings can take the eye away from the neck. A delicate fashion bracelet can accentuate a tiny wrist. Jewelry can also help to create different illusions like a long fashion rope necklace can add length to upper torso.   

Your Clothes

The point of jewelry is to compliment the outfit and not outdo it. Look at the outfit you are wearing, let the colors and prints guide you. A pearl or crystal necklace always looks good with a black dress. Bold Jewelry will clash with bold print on your clothes, instead wear delicate jewelry with it.

Your Occasion

Wearing distracting jewelry like long dangle earrings, too many bangles or rings is not appropriate for an office wear or interview.  But would be just right for a concert or a night out with girl friends. Along with the occasion bear in mind what activity you will be doing.

Your Balance

Too much of jewelry distracts the viewers attention and creates chaos. Long dangle earrings are enough to accentuate the long neck, do not add long layered necklace to it. Less is good.  Keep it simple and classy. 

Buy jewelry the same way you buy clothes. Experiment and see what kind and type of jewelry looks good on you. Do not follow a fashion fad blindly. Remember it is just a fad it will go away.  Now it is time to put all the pieces of the puzzle together and complete the ensemble to create a style that is unique to you. 

Shop for unique fashion jewelry and discover your style at http://www.duelonjewel.com 

Victorian Style Jewelry Part I – The History

The Victorian Era started when Queen Victoria ascended the throne in 1837. It spanned over 60 years from 1837 to 1901.

Jewelry designs from this era were coined as Victorian Style Jewelry.

 All throughout this era the designs were influenced by the life of Queen Victoria.

The era started with a romantic period when young Queen Victoria ascended the throne and married Prince Albert. 

 Jewelry designs in this period were mostly symbols of love like hearts, love knots, clasped hands, anchor and so on. Lockets that could hold a picture or a lock of hair were very popular. 

 Gold was limited, so filigree work can be seen in the jewelry pieces of this period. Bright colored gemstones were used to reflect the happiness of Queen Victoria.  

In 1861 Prince Albert died. Queen Victoria was devastated and mourned for over 20 years. During this period jewelry designs became more heavy and dark. Black onyx and garnet were used along wit lack enamel. 

Around 1890’s the Queen finally came out of her mourning. Jewelry designs became flashy and trendy. Diamonds were used in abundance. Symbols of life like flowers and butterflies were incorporated in jewelry designs. Travel and sports were popular leisure activities. They influenced the jewelry designs towards the end of the Victorian era.  

Shop for Victorian Style Jewelry in Semi Precious Stones, Classic Pearls, Silver and Gold Plated at http://www.duelonjewel.com

Alluring Anklet

Anklet is the most alluring piece of jewelry that adorns your body. We are so busy choosing the right jewelry for our upper body that we forget those pretty feet of ours. Anklet is one piece of jewelry that looks good on most ankles yet fewer people wear them. They add daintiness to your ankles. 

Fashion Anklet

Anklets or Ankle Chains or Ankle Bracelets have been worn since medieval period but became very fashionable in the west during the late twentieth century. In India it is a cultural tradition to wear anklets in both feet. In the west it is either worn in the left or the right ankle.   

 
Sterling Silver Anklet

Worn with short or long skirts, Capri or shorts, it adds a lot of appeal.  Pair that fashion anklet with dainty sandals or flip-flops.  Fashion anklets are an excellent wear to the beach where you are barefoot most of the time. 

Select ankle bracelets that have a delicate chain with 2 to 3 small charms. A simple black thread with a small charm or a thin braided leather cord with beads looks charming on ankles. 

Ankle cuffs look best when worn in only one ankle. Choose an ankle cuff of up to 3 inches wide if you have long legs. Avoid them if you have short legs instead opt for ankle bracelet. 

Fashion anklets are a very casual but chic affair. Avoid wearing them for a formal occasion. 

Shop for trendy and alluring anklets at http://www.duelonjewel.com