Weddings Archives * Style Chicks

TINY BUT FIERCE: Handmade Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set with Mirror Travel Case

April 12, 2018 · 5 Comments

What would we do without our makeup brushes, they turn us into beauty ninjas. But lugging around full-size brushes requires a full-size makeup bag on vacation, at the gym and for touchups before after-work dinner or drink plans. That is cumbersome and impractical. While there are always the applicators that come with the makeup, these are generally of poor quality. We recently tried Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set with Mirror Travel Case. Unlike mass production brush kits, these brushes are hand-made in the USA and meet our on the go beauty needs with a face blender, cream shadow, eyeshadow and fine eyeliner brush in a mirrored case.

The handy Belle mini brush set is about the size of a cell phone case and holds four quality brushes and mirror

WHAT THIS SET CONTAINS

THE CASE: The shiny metallic case is roughly the size of a phone. It has a sturdy zipper and contains the four brushes. The brushes each come with plastic cap sleeves to keep them nice and protect the bristles when not in use. The inside of the case holds a mirror for on-the-go touchups.

This Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set has four brushes in a mirrored case:

Face blender brush
Powder/Dry eye shadow brush
Cream shadow brush
Ultra-fine eye liner brush

The Bella case zips open to reveal four brushes that can be used to apply or blend all your on the go makeup

MATERIAL QUALITY & CONSTRUCTION

We find many mini brush sets, even those from higher-end boutique beauty stores, to be rather cheaply made. We use them a few times and they break or the bristles fall out. They also aren’t all that effective in applying or blending product. This set, however, is constructed with quality materials including durable brass ferrules, the finest hair for bristles that do not shed in use or during washing. I found they withstood powder, cream, BB Primer, Foundation, shadow, gel liner, and concealer.

Bristles that do not fall out, are soft, high quality and durable

MY EXPERIENCE USING THE BELLA MINI COSMETIC BRUSH SET BRUSHES

DRY/POWDER EYESHADOW BRUSH: Many of my favorite eyeshadow palettes, such as the Urban Decay Naked series, come with quality brushes that enable a smooth application, so for touchups or post-gym shadow re-dos, I want to use a quality brush as well. I find the eyeshadow brush comparable to the UD brushes I use both in the soft feel of the bristle, the stiffness that picks up the shadow, the lack of fallout upon application, and ease of use.

Bella dry eyeshadow brush loads color well without fallout. Shown here with Urban Decay Walk of Shame Eyeshadow, my go-to work day neutral eye base shade.

At just shy of four inches, (9.8 cm) this eye shadow brush is an especially nice size for the UD Basics/UD Basics 2/UD and UD Naked Petite Heat, the five shadow compacts that are perfect for pocket or purse but don’t come with a brush.

The ideal size for purse size mini palettes or palettes that do not come with a worthy shadow brush

This brush is just the right size and function, with a thicker base that thins out for better blending. It applies shadow exceptionally smoothly, I like it just as well as my full-size $30 brand name boutique eyeshadow brush.

Blends smoothly and evenly with no fallout

CREAM EYESHADOW BRUSH: For use with cream shadows, I also find this useful for re-applying a base or blending my YSL Eclat or re-applying liquid or cream concealer for mid-day touchups. I use cream eyeshadows less, but find that cream shadow brushes tend to not pick up product evenly, or that there ends up being a fair amount of waste. This brush deposits product without streaks, I like the smoother application, I can get a nice thin coat of shadow.

In a pinch, I find it useful for precise creamy/liquid highlighter, such as MAC Strobe highlighter on the cheekbones. It is not as thicker a diameter as the dry eyeshadow brush, the bristles are straight.

Cream Eye Shadow brush is thinner in diameter for precise application without streaks

EYELINER BRUSH: This brush has a cap when closed, so it can transport some product on the brush is you choose to “pre-load it” with liner product when you are at home such as mineral powder, gel or cream liner from a pot, such as Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wearing Eyeliner Gel or Maybelline’s cream liner, then you have it for touchups without having to carry the liner product. The cap fits onto the end of the brush to make a long handle which makes it easier to create a thin line or cat-eye liner. The cap stays put, and it is steady enough for doing a thicker cat-eye or heavy liquid liner on the go for a transition from a work look to after dinner eye makeup look.

The liner brush tip is not too hard, not too soft. It doesn’t drag or skip on the application. Angle it for a thin or thick line.

I also find it useful to wet the brush either with water or a drop of Visine to create a liner out of dry eyeshadow, I especially like lining my eyes with a few of the UD Basics, such as the black shade, or if I am doing a particularly heavy lash look, a thin line of the taupe eyeshadow applied with the thick end of the brush gives some definition without giving too dark of a look around the lower lashline.

Ideal for wet shadow liner application or shadowing over liquid or cream liner

Lastly, this is a nice size for pressing a bit of eyeshadow over the top liner to powder it down into place, make the line more even, intense and long-lasting.

FACE BLENDER BRUSH: The bristles on this are exceptionally soft and fluffy, but it still blends contour, foundation, powder, and blush very well. The versatile cream, liquid and powder use of this brush makes it a nice go-to item for your bag. It blends makeup well without streaking.

The versatile Bella Face Blender Brush works with both creamy foundations and powder makeup

It is soft to the touch but stiff enough to apply powder in an even thin layer.

The face blender brush is SO FLUFFY yet is stiff enough to blend smoothly

I particularly like this brush for blush touchups during the day, and it works well after a gym workout or while traveling to use it for BB Primer or foundation. By pinching down on each side of the head, it becomes an excellent fan brush travel dupe.

CONCLUSION

This Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set with Mirror Travel Case features four easy to grip, ergonomic handles, soft bristles, portable, attractive, sturdy storage. The set is highly versatile, attractive, durable, fits in even the smallest of makeup bags, and contains brushes that are ergonomic, easy to use, sturdy, and offer an exceptionally smooth application. The set comes with a no-hassle money-back guarantee and one-year return window. A great gift for yourself, a friend, a constant traveler, or anyone who would appreciate quality craftsmanship in a portable and practical brush set.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set with Mirror Travel Case at https://www.amazon.com/gp/mpc/A7G02298SJNTH and use code 30LQ1CLK for an extra 30% off!

Style Chicks received the Bella Mini Travel Makeup Brush Set with Mirror Travel Case in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Classic & Responsible Alternative Diamond Engagement Ring: Gem Stone King Moissanite Sterling Silver

March 23, 2018 · 23 Comments

When it comes to engagement rings, the appeal of a diamond is undeniable: it’s sparkle, brilliance, fire, and clarity! But ethical and environmental concerns over diamond-mining cause many to seek a non-diamond alternative. There are beautiful colored gemstone engagement ring options, but if you love the traditional and classic look of a diamond, an outstanding conflict-free alternative is Moissanite. Gem Stone King combines the conflict-free Moissanite with a traditional diamond engagement ring setting that’s perfect for the classic but responsible woman: the Gem Stone King .925 Sterling Silver Solitaire with Accent Stones Created Moissanite Engagement Ring.

Gem Stone King Moissanite Sterling Silver alternative diamond Engagement Ring is conflict-free and has all the beauty of a natural diamond

WHY CONSIDER MOISSANITE FOR AN ENGAGEMENT RING

Moissanite is a naturally occurring and chemically produced stone that structurally is an exceptional match for the look of a diamond. Moissanite is a conflict-free gemstone that is environmentally and ethically responsible.

Created Moissanite emulates natural diamond characteristics so well that it easily fools the naked eye, especially when mounted on a traditional setting such as found on this Gem Stone King engagement ring.

Created Moissanite has a particularly clear, flawless clarity. The result is a conflict-free, traditional diamond engagement ring look, and style but at a far more attractive price point than a diamond of the same carat size can offer.

DIAMOND VERSES MOISSANITE SPECIFICS

Of diamond alternatives, Moissanite is an excellent choice. Not only is this diamond alternative conflict-free, but its’ fire, clarity, and brilliance closely match the attributes of a natural diamond.

BRILLANCE

Diamonds are so well loved mostly due to their unique brilliant sparkle, measured by something called a Brilliance Refraction Index. A diamonds’ Brilliance Refraction Index is higher than rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Moissanite’s “Brilliance Refraction Index” just slightly brighter than a natural diamond, but not so bright as to look fake or too “blingy”. There is a natural elegance to natural and created Moissanite.

This created Moissanite has the brilliance of a diamond with the rare silver based reflection

FIRE

There’s more fire (the dispersion of light or colored reflections seen when turning or tilting the stone) to a Moissanite than a diamond, giving the look of a high-grade, exceptional clarity diamond.

Fire is often masked on darker gemstones, so if you want both high fire and a diamond alternative, Moissanite makes an ideal engagement ring choice.

The cut enhances the fire of the stone

CLARITY

The chemical structure of both created and natural Moissanite is flawless in terms of having little to no visible cloudiness, inclusions, irregularities or blemishes, resulting in a clarity comparable to a high-grade diamond but without appearing so transparent as to look fake or glass-like.

HARDNESS

Moissanite is slightly less hard as a diamond but harder and more durable than other non-diamond engagement stones such as rubies, emeralds, and sapphires.

ABOUT THIS GEM STONE KING DIAMOND ALTERNATIVE MOISSIANTE RING DESIGN

As seen worn on the ring finger

FOCAL STONE

The cut is timeless brilliant round, which gives the most sparkle. The stone is IJK which is a faint color classification. It is held in a four prong setting to lend a traditional diamond link. It has a DEW (Diamond Equivalent Weight) of almost one carat (.95).

It has an exceptionally diamond-like look with lovely sparkle. I like the modern yet classic look. The size of the stone feels just right to me, understated but not chintzy looking or too gaudy or large.

SIDE STONES

The ring has ten side stones embedded in the band, five on each side. These stones are eye clean, round cut Cubic Zirconia. The smaller side stones are each 1.5 mm wide and long.

Small Cubic Zirconia side stones work well with a Moissanite focal gemstone. While Cubic Zirconias lack the brilliance of a Moissanite, (that colorless light sparkle), they do hold have that rainbow fire, especially with the right cut. This rainbow fire on these round cut smaller stones lends a nice subtle but eye-catching sparkle.

Five round cut side stones flank each side

The band detailing and round cut gives subtle sparkle and interest without outshining the focal stone

BAND

The band is .925 Sterling Silver that has a modern yet timeless engraved pattern and a traditional white gold look. The high shine compliments the brilliant sparkle of the embedded side stones and the focal stone.

.925 Sterling Silver band pattern and setting are both traditional yet modern

.925 Sterling Silver band with embedded side stones and pattern

.925 Sterling Silver band side view of four prong setting

WHY BUY A DIAMOND-ALTERNATIVE RING FROM GEM STONE KING

The Gem Stone King family has been in the diamond business for over 100 years. All Gem Stone King diamonds are conflict-free from authorized sources with a Kimberley certificate.

As a New York City-based diamond wholesaler, Gem Stone King oversees local production to keep costs low while employing old world methods with modern technology. They sell jewelry online directly to consumers. Because of this, they offer a much higher quality item that is typically seen for the price point.

Gem Stone King double box presentation

CONCLUSION

While there are many environmentally and socially conscious conflict-free engagement ring options available, few offer the look of a traditional diamond as well as this Gem Stone King Moissanite Engagement Ring does. It is conflict-free without forsaking any of the timeless diamond features of fire, brilliance, durability, clarity, and sparkle that are typically seen in a classic style engagement ring.

WHERE TO FIND IT

Find the Gem Stone King 925 Sterling Silver Solitaire w/ Accent Stones Created Moissanite Engagement Ring at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079ZTXQ9T

Interested in Conflict-free Moissanite and the timeless style of Gem Stone King, but want a different cut or colored side stones? Find the full Gem Stone King Moissanite collection at:
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=me%3DAWMVEEHZPU5TI&field-keywords=Timeless+Brilliant

Style Chicks received the Gem Stone King 925 Sterling Silver Solitaire with Accent Stones Created Moissanite Engagement Ring in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Choosing a Blue Engagement Ring: Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz and Diamonds Engagement Ring

March 18, 2018 · 15 Comments

The sapphire and diamond engagement ring worn by the late Princess Diana and now Kate Middleton is perhaps amongst the most well-known examples of an engagement ring that does not feature a diamond as the focal stone. Colored engagement rings have become increasingly popular to show individuality and to own a distinctive piece of jewelry. The Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz Diamond Halo with 10K White Gold engagement ring retains a traditional engagement ring look while still having a unique and modern vibe.

Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz and Diamond Engagement Ring

CHOOSING A NON-DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

We tend to think primarily of diamonds for engagement rings, but this concept only became popular around 1900 as part of a jewelry company’s clever marketing campaign. While the sparkle of a diamond cannot be denied, other stones can be just as timeless and beautiful. Many gemstones even have more vibrant reflective properties than diamonds, catching the light in a way that makes for lovely rainbow-like reflections.

WHY CHOOSE GEM STONE KING FOR YOUR NON-DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

You may wish for an engagement ring that is a bit different and special, but at the same time be cautious not to choose something so modern that its’ a trend that will quickly look outdated. Gem Stone King specializes in blending tradition with modern styling, resulting in an elegant timeless look that is still appealing to a younger, sleeker woman.

The Gem Stone King family has been in the diamond business for over 100 years. The president is a fourth generation diamond merchant. Based in New York, New York, and their jewelry is mainly manufactured in the United States. Gem Stone King oversees local production to keep costs low while employing old world methods with modern technology. The result is jewelry that is sleek enough for modern, young tastes while retaining a traditional design that is timeless.

Gem Stone King Mystic Topaz Engagement Ring

Gem Stone King Blue Mystic Topaz and Diamond Engagement Ring

CHOOSING THE GEM STONE KING BLUE MYSTIC TOPAZ FOR A NON-DIAMOND ENGAGEMENT RING

Blue sapphires, like Princess Diana’s engagement ring, are an elegant and versatile choice. One consideration about sapphires is that they can be such a deep hue of blue that they appear almost black or even opaque in some lightings, meaning there is less sparkle than may be desirable for an engagement ring.

GEM STONE KING BLUE MYSTIC TOPAZ AND DIAMOND HALO RING DETAILS

This Blue Mystic Topaz gemstone has the intensity of a sapphire without the darkness, rather it has a beautiful ocean blue clarity that many people seek in a blue gemstone ring.

Blue Mystic Topaz has a deep blue color but retains the depth and brilliance of a traditional engagement ring kind of sparkle

THE FOCAL STONE

The focal gemstone of a Blue Mystic Topaz of this Gem Stone King ring is called Tanzanite Blue, which is not quite as dark as a natural sapphire. A Mystic Topaz is brighter than a sapphire, but not an unnatural looking bright such as the royal blue shade that often occurs in created sapphires. Mystic Topaz often cast small rainbow hues within the depth of the stone. Its’ depth, sparkle, reflection, and the cut are more evident to the naked eye that is often seen in a natural sapphire.

Vibrant Blue Mystic Topaz has vibrant depth, brilliance, sparkle, and light

Oval stones allow for a round cut for maximum sparkle

It is a 1.30 Carat natural stone with an oval cut held in a traditional four-prong setting. The oval cut allows for the cut style, brilliance, and sparkle seen on a round diamond but with a unique and flattering look.

Side view of four prong setting

THE SIDE STONES

The twenty-eight side stones are natural diamonds that surround the focal stone in a halo. They are a combined total weight of 0.092 carats. The round cut maximizes the sparkle of each 0.05-carat diamond encircling the focal Topaz. These side stones catch a surprising amount of light and look particularly brilliant and sparkly when hands are in motion.

All Gem Stone King diamonds are conflict-free from authorized sources with a Kimberley certificate.

Twenty-eight natural round cut conflict-free diamonds

THE BAND

The 17mm band is 10K White Gold that has a high shine and luster. 10K White Gold is highly durable which makes it ideal for a band that will be worn daily for years to come.

The appearance is smooth and shiny, sleek and modern but it also has a traditional engagement ring look and feel. The white gold also enhances the cool blue tones of the gemstones.

While this ring can be given for any special occasion or worn as a statement piece ring, it makes a lovely choice for a non-diamond engagement ring because it nods to tradition while still showing the personal unique style of the wearer. Also, the inclusion of diamonds as side stones still incorporates the traditional diamond into the ring.

10KT White Gold band has a shiny, smooth finish that is durable

GIFT PRESENTATION PACKAGING

The ring comes in a double box gift presentation. The outer box is a white gift box with a gold Gem Stone King logo on the top. The inner box is a gold logo on a blue hinged ring box with velvet lining inside. The ring comes in a small bag to keep it free of lint or damage while in storage or before the presentation of the ring.

The ring comes in a Gem Stone King white outer box and blue inner box

Gem Stone King Ring box

FULLY INSURED

While buying jewelry online offers lower prices than brick and mortar stores, there is always some risk of the item getting lost or damaged in the mail. This Gem Stone King ring comes fully insured at no additional cost. This insurance protects you from any risk of damage or the loss of your item while in transit.

CONCLUSION

If you’re considering a blue gemstone engagement ring but want a naturally bright stone with more sparkle, this Gem Stone King ring featuring a 1.30-carat Blue Mystic Topaz makes an excellent choice. It is not an overly dark stone yet also doesn’t appear too bright like the intense royal blue hue of a created sapphire. The halo of twenty-eight diamonds add sparkle and lend an elegant, traditional look. The diamonds are conflict-free. The 10K white gold band is durable and shiny. A modern yet timeless look durable enough to wear for years to come.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Gem Stone King 10K White Gold Diamond Halo Engagement Ring set with 1.30 Ct Oval Blue Mystic Topaz at
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06Y95BQK2

Style Chicks received the Gem Stone King 10K White Gold Diamond Halo Engagement Ring set with 1.30 Ct Oval Blue Mystic Topaz in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

Winter Style: DivaCleats Ice Cleats for Women’s Footwear

December 28, 2017 · 7 Comments

It’s that time of year where there are lots of parties and events that one might wear a stiletto or other dressy heels, and lots of snow and ice, rain, and sleet which one might slip and fall, not to mention damage a perfectly good set of heels. Why ruin the look of an outfit with sensible shoes?

DivaCleats provides a safe way to wear shoes in bad weather and raises them away from the ice and snow to protect fine leathers

OVERVIEW: A slip-on cleat that fits any type of shoe without causing damage or scratches to the shoe, and enables safe walking on slick, icy surfaces such as wet pavement, stairs, sidewalks or directly on ice or snow.

DivaCleats – top and bottom views

WHY THERE IS A NEED FOR DIVACLEATS

Here in New England, the weather changes constantly. On a perfectly sunny morning, it starts snowing while you are at work, and when it is time to walk to your car at the end of the day, the ground is covered with slick snow or ice. Your choices are gingerly walk to your car in your heels or take them off and walk barefoot. Neither choice is safe or appealing, not to mention that snow and ice can damage shoes.

DivaCleats make walking on ice or snow safer even in high heels, and keep wet snow, sand, salt, and debris away from the shoe itself to protect the soles and leather

Sometimes you know it is snowing or going to snow, but you have already planned the perfect outfit with the perfect shoe. You don’t want to wear snowshoes or snowboots into a party, interview or work and have to change into your dress shoes in the lobby and then have to carry your soggy snowshoes around with you.

Or you may get stranded and need to walk through the snow and ice. You may have snowshoes with decent treads, but the weather outside is so treacherous that you want extra traction, such as when you have to shovel out your car or walk your dog during or after a big snowstorm.

For all of these circumstances, there is DivaCleats. DivaCleats slip over a dress heel shoe to provide traction and grip even on ice. There is no need to risk a slip and fall or shoe damage when DivaCleats can keep you and your shoes safe.

Does your Winter Wonderland Wedding have snow, ice or sleet? No worries with DivaCleats, safely wear your shoes outside for pictures

DivaCleats easily slip on and off formal wear shoes

DivaCleats are a perfect gift for winter bridesmaids and brides

DIVACLEATS FEATURE OVERVIEW

Made of a durable natural rubber blend for a flexible fit over any shoe or boot
Featuring a traction tread outsole and cleats simultaneously contact the surface, providing superior grip on ice, snow, and pavement

Close up of one of the cleats on the DivaCleats

Close up of one of the durable, heat-treated cleats on the DivaCleats

The cleats are ultra-durable, heat-treated, steel cleats for performance season after season

Close up of the cleats and grips of the DivaCleats

HOW DIVACLEATS WORK

DivaCleats slip over the front of the toe and rest near the vamp area, providing a safe way to step onto snow and ice regardless of the height of the heel or material of the shoe sole. One size fits everyone. They fit over a stiletto heel, classic pump, a boot, an Oxford, a slingback or mule, sneakers, or even a riding boot that lacks treads or traction. Basically, if a shoe is not intended to be worn as a means of serious traction on ice, DivaCleats can give that shoe treads to walk safely. If a shoe already has some traction, it can give your foot the equivalent of “front wheel drive”, safe footing as you step, walk and pivot on wet stairs or snowy and icy driveways.

HOW DO DIVACLEATS LOOK?

Here are some types of shoes I wore so far this winter with DivaCleats and did not experience any scuffing, scrapes, or damage to the vamp, sole or platforms of the shoes.

PATENT SHOES

DivaCleats does not scuff or mark even highly scuffable patent shoes with metallic heels safe

SNAKESKIN LEATHERS

Stuart Weitzman snakeskin leather shoes

After Use: The platforms of my shoes stayed clean and dry while walking through black ice and salt wearing DivaCleats

BOOTS, BOOTIES AND MULES

DivaCleats fit over wide vamp shoes such as oxfords, boots, sneakers, mules, and booties, such as these Tommy Hilfiger mules

DivaCleats on wider shoes

View of the DivaCleats in action on wider, thicker shoes

SEQUINS/STITCHING/OVERLAYS

DivaCleats do not harm beading, sequins, stitching, or fabric

DivaCleats on embellished shoes

EASE OF USE

Just slip them on and discretely walk out with them, they are easy to slip off and on many pairs of shoes, they aren’t even that noticeable when you first arrive somewhere. It is much more discrete than taking off wet boots in someone’s foyer.

DivaCleats are not very noticeable and can be discretely worn into a party, restaurant or office building

DivaCleats come with a waterproof bag so you can just pop them in your handbag whenever there is the potential of inclement weather including snow, sleet, and rain. You can also keep them in the glove compartment of your car.

The DivaCleats drawstring waterproof bag is smaller than a glove and fits neatly into your handbag for unexpected bad weather

MY EXPERIENCE

It snowed several days in a row, so I found the DivaCleats to be very helpful worn on my wellies and sneakers when clearing snow off my car. I wore them walking in a mid-heel pump with a thin heel on unexpected ice one night after work and they did not scuff or damage my shoes in any way, and it made walking in a not-so-safe shoe much easier. The tread on the DivaCleats grips even on sheets of ice that I could have easily seen myself otherwise slipping on even if wearing flats or my sneakers. I find them to be sturdy and they are convenient to slip on and off as I enter and exit the building from work, going to a restaurant, or going to someone’s house for dinner. DivaCleats didn’t crush, scratch or otherwise damage delicate leather, suede or fabric shoes, or leave indentations or scuffs. They also protect the base platform of shoes from getting excessively wet because the cleat elevates the shoe platform.

CONCLUSION

Wear the shoes of your choice regardless of the weather with DivaCleats. DivaCleats are portable, easy to use, work with any shoes, and come with their own waterproof bag so you can discretely wear them in and out of inclement weather. Ideal for professionals who wish to arrive looking put together, DivaCleats give any shoe the ability to be a safe shoe on wet, slick surfaces. The cleats are fire-hardened to last for years. DiveCleats will not scuff or damage your shoes.

DivaCleats comes in a waterproof drawstring bag with waterproof sealable over-bag for travel or to carry in your handbag

Wear dressy shoes safely in rain, snow, sleet and on ice with DivaCleats

WHERE TO BUY

Find DivaCleats Ice Cleats for Women’s Footwear at https://www.divacleats.tv/collections/divacleats/products/divacleats-ice-cleats-for-womens-shoes

Style Chicks received DivaCleats Ice Cleats for Women’s Footwear in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.

HOW TO SELECT CLASSIC PEARLS FOR MODERN SENSIBILITIES: Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings

October 6, 2017 · Leave a Comment

Pearls are one of the most versatile of the gemstone jewels, they can dress up a little black dress or be worn to a wedding, and depending on the setting and other stones, metals or jewels that a pearl is paired with, they can even be incorporated into semi-casual outfits or office appropriate workwear. Despite being a classic, go-to wardrobe piece, Pearls can, however, look a bit old-fashioned, which is why we love The Pearl Source’s unique pearls designs, which also come at a more attractive price point than many pearl pieces seen in stores. A good example of this is The Pearl Source’s Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings, formal and classic enough for a traditional style bride, yet stylish enough for those with demure yet modern taste in jewelry.

The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings

JAPANESE AKOYA PEARL STARDUST EARRING DESIGN

Each earring is comprised of one classic round Akoya Pearl Classic pearl on a gold base, 925 Sterling Silver coated drop chain. The earring drop is about one inch in length. The Pearls are AA+ Quality, which is higher than that typically found in department stores and mall jewelry stores.

Akoya Pearl with two smaller stardust orbits. Gold with .925 Sterling Silver overlay makes them sturdy.

Above the pearl, there are two suspended small silver drop ball orb embellishments with a stardust pattern to add a bit of very subtle shimmer, not full-on bling, but they are eye-catching.

Stardust orbs of .925 Sterling Silver over gold are securely held in place

JAPANESE AKOYA PEARL STARDUST EARRING CONSTRUCTION

The thick nacre content of these pearls makes them durable despite being on a drop length dangle, they will not scratch even though they are exposed to other dangling embellishments. The chain is gold with a generous .925 Sterling Silver coating. The post is sturdy and does not readily bend.

The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings are well-made with .925 Sterling Silver overlaying a gold base

ABOUT JAPANESE AKOYA PEARL STARDUST EARRINGS: EVALUATING PRIMARY PEARL CHARACTERISTICS

When selecting a pearl jewelry piece, there are three notable characteristics to assess. These are the Pearl Luster, the Pearl Nacre, and the Pearl Overtone.

PEARL LUSTER

Pearls produce an intense shine, also known as luster. The luster of a pearl can be determined when a light is reflected off the many layers of nacre or tiny organic crystals that comprise the surface of the pearl.

The luster rating of this Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earring Set is considered “very high”.

These pearls have a high luster that is eye-catching. Note the sturdy .925 Sterling Silver posts and reinforcements

PEARL NACRE

Nacre is what gives pearls shine and resilience. Nacre is very similar in composition and appearance to the composite material inside of a mollusk shell. The iridescent nacre can be seen for example inside a nautilus shell and to some extent abalone.

Nacre is comprised of tiny organic crystals, which serve as reflectors of light. The larger a pearl is, the more reflectors it possesses. When shopping for a pearl, the larger the pearl, the more nacre it has and the greater the luster. The degree of nacre produced luster varies greatly between pearls.

Nacre builds the iridescent layers inside a shell and on Pearls to create luster as seen here

This Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earring Set has a very thick nacre, creating a high luster.

These Pearls are of thick nacre which yields a high luster

PEARL OVERTONE

A pearl’s color is called the body color. Pearls vary from white, cream, yellow, silver, pink or black. Pearls also have a glow of a secondary color, which can be seen when light reflects off of the pearls. This hint of color is known as its’ overtone.

The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings are a white body color that is available in four overtones. The set shown here is a White Overtone Pearl, but they also come in Rose and Ivory overtones as well as Black. These choices are ideal for matching the undertone of a bridal gown so the shade of white is not a mismatch.

The white body and white overtone of these pearls glow suit all-white bridal gowns and absolutely glow against bright colors and dark textures, making them highly versatile

WHAT IS AN AKOYA PEARL?

Akoya pearls are cultured in Akoya oysters primarily in Japan and China. They are renowned for their incredible luster and are generally considered the “classic” pearl. Akoya pearls range in size from about 6.0 – 8.5mm.

Akoya Pearls, such as these The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings are round and symmetrical and are renowned for their high luster

GIFT BOXED

The earrings come in a distinctive blue box with a grosgrain pattern crisp overlay, and an inner hinged style box with traditional satin and velvet lining. It is highly suitable for gift giving and storage.

Outer Gift Box with inner hinged box for gift giving and storage

ABOUT THE PEARL SOURCE

The Pearl Source only uses the highest quality grade of pearls from the Pinctada fucata oyster in Japan, and only uses pearls without defects. I found these pearls to be of better quality than that I have purchased at department stores. Because their pearls are imported direct, the cost is much less than other online and brick and mortar jewelry stores. The Pearl Source Pearls for gifts and bridal jewelry or just for your personal collection is higher quality and at a better price. They also offer free shipping on all orders.

The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings make for an excellent gift for brides, proms, special occasions

CONCLUSION

The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings are an outstanding value for a bride, as a gift for a teen attending a formal event, or for anyone who would like a demure, ladylike piece that gives an updated look to a classic design. The pair of stardust dangle orbs brings some visual interest to the single statement pearl. The pearls themselves are of high luster, thick nacre and come in four overtones to best match one’s skin coloring or attire. The direct sourcing of the pearls makes The Pearl Source jewelry an excellent value on a highly versatile set of earrings that will last for years to come.

WHERE TO BUY

Find the Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings at The Pearl Source here: https://www.thepearlsource.com/Japanese-Akoya-Pearl-Stardust-Earrings-w.html

Style Chicks received The Pearl Source Japanese Akoya Pearl Stardust Earrings in exchange for our unbiased review and received compensation for our time and effort. However, our experience with the product and the opinions expressed in this review are 100% ours.