Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Valentine's Day Gift Guide by jhadleyjewelry featuring tear drop earrings

HIGH FASHION HIGH JEWELS

Last night we went to Sotheby’s for Fashion Group International’s High Fashion High Jewels event. While there, we were lucky enough to get a preview of the Important Jewels auction which features an estimated total of $68 million worth of jewels that spans over 170 years of jewelry history. We were in awe of the collection that they were able to curate- everything from a five carat fancy orangy pink diamond to a gorgeous emerald cut tanzanite ring (almost 30 carats!!!)… which we couldn’t resist trying on.

The second part of the night featured three panelists from Chanel, Verdura, and Bergdorf Goodman. Each of them agreed that CAD and digitizing design could lead to the demise of unique artisan jewelry. Verdura president, Nico Landrigan, said it was our duty as designers and consumers to preserve the art of jewelry design by paying more for products with a unique design perspective.

What do you think? Would you be willing to spend more for a finely designed piece or are you more focused on price when you purchase fine jewels?

LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW

Winter Warmth by jhadleyjewelry featuring a faux fur trapper hat

As a girl from Minnesota, I have become quite the wardrobe master when it comes to staying warm in super cold weather. Although it was almost 70 degrees in NYC two weeks ago, Mother Nature has finally realized it’s December and the temps are barely clearing 40 now. Suddenly those ten-minute walks to the subway are feeling like hour long hikes in the Artic. I’ve put together my top five must-haves for staying warm this winter!

Faux Fur Everything

I am obsessed with faux fur this season, as any Minnesotan girl will tell you- it’s an essential for staying warm in the winter. I am always a huge fan of trapper hats (keeping your ears warm is always necessary) and mittens.

Ice Ice Baby

Bling is everything in the winter! Diamonds are especially lovely when it snows- the reflections off the white snow will draw everyone’s eyes to your gorgeous gems. Earrings with some shine to them look especially captivating in the winter!

Hunter Boots

I know I have confessed my undying love for Hunter boots in my rainy day post, but they deserve a second mention. The geniuses at Hunter have created cold weather sock inserts for your rain boots- in a variety of patterns and fabrics. I personally have a Zebra patterned fleece pair as well as the cable-knit sweater ones!

Long Winter Coat

Never underestimate the power of a longer winter coat- it will save you on those windy winter days! A long winter coat plus your hunter boots will mean you don’t have to retire your most loved skirts and dresses- even in the dead of winter!

Starbucks Holiday Drinks

Whether you’re walking from the subway or taking in the Holiday tree at Rockafeller Center, you are sure to pass at least one Starbucks in NYC. Stop in for a warm holiday drink (my favorite is the Gingerbread Latte). These delicious drinks are sure to keep your hands warm and fill you with Holiday cheer, even if you’re fighting through the holiday shopping crowds.

Stay warm this season =)