Fashion

Curating a Fashionable Closet

A purposeful wardrobe of classic basics, statement pieces, and a dash trending styles is an investment and a lifetime curation process. Fashion and Style paint the story of who you are and who you want to be.

The Fashion and Style sections cover investment pieces ranging from work wear to weddings, couture to trendy. Whether you are seeking the ideal bag for the discerning minimalist, or a must-have statement piece of jewelry, we have something for you.

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special, but at the same time be cautious not to choose something so modern that its’ a trend that will quickly look outdated.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

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.

How to Wear the Gem Stone King Morganite Peach Sterling Silver Promise Ring

March 1, 2018 · 16 Comments

My Grandparents met when he was 16 and she was 13. And they always knew they were meant to be. A few years later, he gave her his class ring, which at that time, was common to give as a promise ring. Once married, Grandpa bought her several valuable pieces over the years, but out of all her jewelry, this simple promise ring was always one of her favorite pieces because of what it symbolized. Today, many couples also want some physical symbol or token that they’ve made a promise or commitment to each other. So promise rings have made a resurgence, and Gem Stone King has a great promise ring for the modern yet classic lady: a Morganite Peach Cubic Zirconia and Diamond .925 Sterling Silver and 10K Rose Gold Promise Ring – it’s pink, elegant, and traditional yet thoroughly modern.

Gem Stone King

WHY CHOOSE THIS GEM STONE KING PROMISE RING

If you’re looking for a promise ring that has the traditional engagement ring look while still retaining a modern and young feel, this piece is an excellent choice because it made of quality materials and superior construction. Gem Stone King is 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.

This ring comes in this presentation gift box. The Gem Stone King family has been in the diamond business for four generations

HOW TO WEAR A PROMISE RING

Promise rings are typically worn on the left-hand ring finger if not married or the right-hand ring finger if married. Promise rings can be worn on any finger, and they’re sometimes even worn on a chain around the neck.

Because many women decide to continue to wear their promise rings on their right hand after marriage, choosing a timeless style is important in promise ring selection.

This timeless Gem Stone King Promise ring can be worn for years to come on the right hand after the wedding

A promise ring is less formal in style than engagement ring style, meaning it can be made of different metals and contain composite or colored stones. There’s more leeway for showing one’s personal style.

On this ring, the 10K Rose Gold metal element and peachy-pink center gemstone is a flattering look for most skin tones and matches both classic and modern wardrobe styles. The look is modern and young while retaining the timeless style necessary for a ring that will often be worn daily for years.

10K Rose Gold detailing frame the center stone

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

This Gem Stone King Ring is a .925 Sterling Silver band with 10K Rose Gold with a Swarovski Morganite Peach Cubic Zirconia surrounded by diamond side stones. There are seven total stones: one center stone and six side stones, three on each side.

Featuring 10K Rose Gold on a .925 Sterling Silver band

BAND

The band is made of .925 Sterling Silver with 10K Rose Gold accent elements. This gives the band a modern look while retaining a clean traditional feel. The metal has a high sheen.

The band has .925 Sterling Silver with 10 KT Rose Gold

.925 Sterling Silver markings

The Setting

Band and setting side views

CENTER STONE

The center gem stone is an oval cut Morganite Peach Swarovski Cubic Zirconia in a peachy-pink color. The gemstone color compliments the rose gold of the ring band, giving it a modern yet classic look. It’s a 1.21-carat gem in a four prong setting and the stone is 6 by 8 millimeters. It is eye clean so you will not spot any distracting inclusions. The color is ideal for matching rose gold jewelry trends while not being a look that will become dated over time.

The center stone is in a classic four prong setting

The stone has a lovely luster and hue

As Swarovski is known for precise gemstone cuts that impart particular brilliance, the cut of this gemstone gives a particularly bright sparkle to the stone and maximizes the feminine, clear color. I love how it takes on a range of hues from a tealight rose to lavender, depending upon the light. And the cut creates a beautiful fire to the gemstone.

SIDE STONES

The six side stones (three on each side) are each natural 0.3 carats round single cut diamonds. They are each 1 mm in length. They add sparkle without being excessively flashy. I like having the diamonds in this ring as it adds an engagement ring feel that sets it apart from other fashion rings that one might wear, giving it a distinctive look.

The six side diamonds add subtle side sparkle

ABOUT GEM STONE KING DIAMONDS

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

ABOUT SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL GEMSTONES

Swarovski is internationally known for crystals with astounding light and sparkle resulting from their precise cutting methods. Swarovski uses a patented machine to perfect the look of a hand-cut to make crystals of high brilliance like a diamond available for the price of a crystal. Because Swarovski crystals have such a glamorous sparkle, they are frequently used in costumes, bridal wear, and designer gowns. The Morganite Peach gemstone in this ring has such a sparkle and reflects light so well that it takes on a hue from surrounding colors worn, making it a highly versatile pink stone that depending upon the light, takes on pink, lavender or even coppery tones. The stone reflects light amongst the various facets and it catches the light so well that small rainbows appear within the stone.

The ring has lovely fire to it. See how this ring sparkles as it catches the light with each tiny movement in this video:

CONCLUSION

A promise ring shows a commitment between a couple. Have you met the “one” but time and circumstances separate you until you can officially tie the knot? You’re not alone: couples are getting married later in life to finish college or meet career goals. If you want a timeless ring that can be worn for years to come, the Gem Stone King Morganite Peach and Diamond Sterling Silver and 10K Rose Gold Promise Ring offer a modern yet classic look.

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find the Gem Stone King Morganite Peach and Diamond Sterling Silver and 10K Rose Gold Promise Ring at http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B079G898BJ

Gem Stone King promise ring

Style Chicks received the Gem Stone King Morganite Peach and Diamond Sterling Silver and 10K Rose Gold Promise 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.

WEARING TIMELESS MODERN CLASSICS: Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant

February 12, 2018 · 16 Comments

Need a timeless gift? This gift-boxed Gem Stone King has a focal piece of a 1/2 inch Bermuda Blue Swarovski crystal on an 18-inch chain. The look is modern but it has decidedly classic overtones, channeling your inner Grace Kelly or Audrey Hepburn while still being versatile enough a piece to suit an “Au Courant” wardrobe ranging from casual to formal outfits.

Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant has a beautiful sparkle due to the precision cut

WHY CHOOSE THIS GEM STONE KING PENDANT

If you’re looking for a signature necklace for yourself or a tasteful gift, this piece is an excellent choice because it made of quality materials and superior construction. 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.

The 18-inch chain looks lovely on an open neckline

This particular piece uses a Swarovski Crystal Gemstone with a precision-cut as often seen on diamonds to enhances the sparkle and clarity. It is classic and elegant, yet sleek enough to feel modern.

Gem Stone King Pendant with Swarvoski crystal has brilliant sparkle

The Gem Stone King Pendant Swarovski crystal focal stone and surrounding white stones have brilliant sparkle

THE FOCAL STONE

The gem stone is a rounded square with a cut to maximize the sparkle in the light. The stone itself is transparent without blemishes. The Bermuda Blue color is very versatile, vibrant and even.

Close up view of the focal piece

The center stone is surrounded by a double row of small white crystals that have a great deal of sparkle.

It works with icy pastels, white, deep vibrant blues such as royal and cobalt, as well as neutrals, creams, and linens and even contrasting brights like orange. The clean lines of the necklace look particularly nice with an open neckline.

As seen on an ice blue silk taffeta formal dress

Looks pretty on bright, cheery colors ranging from aqua blues, browns, greens and reds

ABOUT SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL GEMSTONES

The Swarovski brand is renowned for creating crystals that have astounding light and sparkle due to their precise cutting methods. Swarovski uses a patented machine to perfect the look of a hand-cut to make crystals of high brilliance like a diamond available for the price of a crystal. Because Swarovski crystals have such a glamorous sparkle, they are frequently used in costumes, bridal wear, and designer gowns.

18″ inch chain is Rhodium plated for high-shine and durability

CONSTRUCTION & MATERIALS

The spring-ring clasp is sturdy and the stone setting is secure. The cable necklace chain does not catch on delicate fabrics such as silk or satin.

The clasp is marked and the chain is of particular high-brilliance. The focal piece, clasp, and chain are Rhodium plated for high luster and durability.

Marked clasp is sturdy and easy to use

MAKES AN IDEAL GIFT

The pendant comes gift boxed. It makes an ideal gift item for a milestone event or just because for someone special, such as for a bridesmaid gift, a girlfriend, mother or a friend who has a sleek yet elegant style.

Gift box

FEATURES

Gift Box
No questions asked money back guarantee
Free Return and Refund and Lifetime Warranty

ABOUT GEM STONE KING

Gem Stone King is a leading online jewelry company with over 5 million internet sales. 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, their jewelry is mainly manufactured in the United States. All Gem Stone King diamonds are conflict-free from authorized sources with a Kimberley certificate.

An elegant piece for a modern Grace Kelly vibe

CONCLUSION

A high-end look at an affordable price point, this Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant has quality workmanship paired with the brilliance of a classic yet modern focal piece which is cut in the Swarovski tradition for maximum sparkle. In its’ own gift box, it makes an ideal gift for someone who loves elegant, sleek jewelry.

A tasteful gift

WHERE TO BUY IT

Find this gift-boxed Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant with Rhodium plated chain at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072KL1MH1?th=1

Style Chicks received the Gem Stone King Bermuda Blue Swarovski Crystal Pendant 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 in Women’s Footwear