ModernGear Jewelry: SONTZA JEWELLERY SHOW AND SALE!

Remember way back when to the post I wrote about Charmed, I'm Sure purse charms by Sontza...some of you thought those were absolutely adorable, and would make perfect stocking stuffers or gifts for a girlfriend.







My post about long necklaces featured Sontza designs as well, and I am sure I have shared some other of my sister's fabulous jewelry with you...


Well, you and a friend are invited to the …

Sontza Jewellery Show and Sale

Please join us Saturday, November 15th 10:00 am to 2:00 pm 4384 Meighen Place

Take this opportunity to do a little Christmas shopping, fill out one of our wish lists to pass along, or even pick up a little something for your own stocking!

Anything purchased or ordered during the sale will receive 10% off and 10% of sales will be donated to the Christmas Bureau.

If you are unable to attend the sale and would like to book a private shopping time please contact me.

Contact info is at Sontza.com, and Tanya has also been generous enough to extand 10% off to orders next week, as chances are good that some of you won't be reading this until Monday.

Happy shopping!


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ModernGear Women: Sometimes it's good to be chunky and long!

In life, certain words have mixed meanings depending on their context. Take the word, "chunky". Use chunky in relation to thighs...bad. Regarding things like peanut butter, or jewelry...not so bad! And then the word "long". No-one likes to hear that the story they told was a little long, or they're looking a little long in the tooth, but describe a woman as long-legged, and she'd probably thank you.

But I digress (as usual)...I'm just happy to report that we're going to be using both of these words in only a good context, starting now. We can thank fashion for this, because of two major trends for fall jewelry - chunky, and long.

As usual, a stylish celebrity has shown us the way: witness one fabulous Yummy Mommy Halle Berry.
Speaking of Yummy Mommies, it seems that bibs are making a statement this fall - but not those you tie around a neck to collect dribbles and food...rather, Bib necklaces.

I like a few examples of this new style:

Banana Republic's Geometric Bib Necklace, $150








Banana Republic's Multi Gem Bib Necklace, $79







Janis Savitt Ball Necklace, Neiman Marcus $1000

And while I like the look of bib necklaces, I think that another fall jewelry trend is a bit more wearable day-to-day...that of the long necklace. Again let's turn to some well-known fashion lovers for their take on the trend.





Reese Witherspoon works it well with a chunky, longer necklace...thrice!

Angie Harmon

Leighton Meester

Blake Lively goes for the long but more delicate...

Tori Spelling

And there's Halle again, wearing the heck out of that gorgeous necklace.

Regular necklaces come in at about 16-18" long - here are some of my favourites that are between two and four feet.

From Sontza Design Works (i.e.my sister Tanya!), my favourites - Freesia ($175)

and Gardenia ($175). She also has two other beautiful designs, and earrings to match as well.

From Lolo Jewellery, the delicate Lisette necklace: 3-5 feet, Swarovski crystals and gold fill chain, $375.

From Vivre.com
Martin Schettini Round Wood Bead Necklace
40", $565

From:

42" Wood and Shell necklace
$8/2 for $10
From shopbop.com

Kenneth Jay Lane Extra Long Necklace
$110



Cynthia Dugan Jewelry Sterling Bead Necklace Knotted on Silk
$264




Gara Danielle Gold Link Chain Necklace
$173




Gorjana Silver Savannah Wrap Necklace
$140



Examples run the range from cheap to expensive, depending on your budget and taste...but I think of this style as more of an investment piece as it's so versatile - you can wrap it a few times for a shorter style, or wear it long and loose...however you decide to showcase it, it's going to be pretty.

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ModernGear Women: message jewelry

I've been seeing a lot of jewelry with a message lately. And I'm not saying the figurative, "I love you but I am not quite ready to marry you" message of a promise ring, or the "Happy 60th birthday!" message in a pair of diamond earrings from a husband to wife, but a literal message, writ large across a usually unmarred silver or gold surface. And I'll tell you what - I like it.

Tiffany's is the company doing this who is perhaps the best-known, with their new Tiffany Notes collection. Now, I'm a big fan of Breakfast At Tiffany's the movie...what woman isn't?

But I am not sure I really love the store so much that I want the address of Tiffany and Co. on my jewelry, even if it is, as Tiffany describes it, "An elegant script, inspired by handwritten invitations."

This could backfire and work like an expensive dog tag, so if I'm found wandering around in a daze one day, the police might send me to the store...now that wouldn't help! Perfect for Holly Golightly, not so perfect for me.

There's no doubt it's pretty...

round pendant in 18k gold, large $1750, small $800

round pendant in sterling silver, large $225, small $150

round earrings in sterling silver, $275

cuff in sterling silver, $500

cuff in 18k gold, large $5500, medium $5500

...but while I find myself loving the aesthetic and the effect, I just don't connect with the message.

What I do connect with, though, are the designs of Jeanine Payer. She's a San Francisco-based designer who puts poems down on silver and gold - in pendants, rings, bracelets and more. The result is delicate but ever-lasting - a message that the wearer connects with, shown in a beautiful way.

In her extensive collection, it's rather difficult to pick favourites but I'll show a few I have found to have a personal emotional resonance, with words from some of my most beloved poets.

Harlow 18k, $1100

Here is its message:

Peony, $575

Sycamore, $290

Lourdes bracelet $220

Luce bracelet $620

Lucas ring $265

Payer's collection is extensive - with styles for men and children, as well as objects like a bookmark, First Tooth Box, spoon, bowl and more...the only difficulty I'd have is choosing the design and words...but to be honest, that's a problem I wouldn't mind having! You can see a stores list (Asia, Canada, US and Europe) and also purchase online at jeaninepayer.com.

Instead of wearing your heart on your sleeve, wear your thoughts on your jewelry.

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