Flowers die, chocolates make you fat, but jewelry lasts forever!
That’s my motto when it comes to the big love holiday, which is right around the corner! (hint, hint) Nothing says, ‘I care about you’ quite like a timeless piece of jewelry. Yet, it seems the men in our lives never really get that message. Dinner reservations, flowers, chocolates, and lingerie are among the top Valentine’s Day gifts. But nearly one-third of women, 29%, would choose jewelry if they could receive only one gift for Valentine’s Day, according to a new survey by Sentient Decision Science for Sears.
Think jewelry is too expensive? Well think again, on average last year about $25 was spent on candy, $73 on flowers, $70 on lingerie, and between $220 to just over $500 on jewelry. Yet, at Joint Venture we have lots of great, affordable options starting at only $40.
Curious about the most popular jewelry item to give for Valentine’s? Engagement rings! Four million consumers expect to propose, or be proposed to, during Valentine’s Day. Don’t worry not all jewelry has that kind of commitment attached to it.
Here are a few of our favorite jewels for all the women in your life, perfect for Valentine’s Day:
FOR YOUR WIFE
She already knows you love her, but why not give her another reminder? We suggest a colored-stone ring. For example, with this citrine ring she’ll gaze at it all day long and think of you. On average, women stare at the rings on their fingers about a million times a day, so why not have her think of you with each glance?
Two Tone Citrine Ring, $450
FOR YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER
Not ready to pop the big question but this is the woman of your dreams? Diamonds are always a girls best friend. You really can’t go wrong with a diamond necklace, like the vintage one pictured below. Diamonds say forever, and a necklace will buy you a little time before the ring.
White Gold Vintage Diamond Necklace, $850
FOR YOUR GIRLFRIEND
It’s not puppy love, but it’s a young relationship. And that’s ok, jewelry is still always a winner. A bracelet is a great option for this type of relationship. This diamond heart bracelet is sweet and unique. She’ll be wowed by the thought you put into it. Remember, a thoughtful gift can go a long way.
White Gold Diamond Link Heart Bracelet, $500
FOR YOUR MOTHER
A piece for the woman who brought you into this world, and who has loved you through everything. Why not show her how much you care? Pearls are a timeless classic. This yellow gold pearl necklace will surely wow the first women you ever loved!
Vintage Sapphire and Pearl Necklace, $3,200
FOR YOUR SISTER
She’s been with you through thick and thin. She knows all your secrets and still loves you even with your flaws. So wish your sister a happy Valentine’s Day with a hand crafted Kenda Kist original necklace or earrings.
Kenda Kist Sterling Silver Swarovski Crystal Drop Earring, $90
FOR YOUR DAUGHTER
Don’t forget your little one! This heart pendant would make a great addition to her blossoming jewelry collection.
Sterling Silver Heart Pendant, $100
FOR A FRIEND
She’s there for you through the good times and the bad, doesn’t she deserve a little something special around this time of year? If you’re both single, why not treat each other? These fruit and vegetable cuff bracelets are perfect! Hand made by a California designer and Eco-friendly too!
Various fruit and vegetable cuffs, $40 each
Have you ever received jewelry for Valentine’s Day? Leave us a comment and let us know!
Tassels are no longer just decorative additions for your curtains, they are a trending accessory for the Spring and Summer of 2012. I am excited to see them adorned on shoes, handbags and jewelry. I love to see the fashion trends on the red carpet, but it’s fascinating to look back to see where tassels got their start.
During the Edwardian Era, (1890-1920) jewelry was characterized by delicate filigree bows, and swags in white gold and platinum, predominately with diamonds and pearls. Throughout this time period, colored stones were used less frequently. Thanks to Queen Alexandrite, King Edwards wife, wide choker dog collar necklaces and long fringed sautoir necklaces were a popular adornment around women’s necks.
Dog Collars and Sautoir Necklaces
Although I love to look back at these vintage beauties and the gems they wore, it is also great to look at how jewelry has changed and adapted to current trends.
It seems everywhere you look on the red carpet these days, some of the the biggest starlets are wearing tassel jewels. Celebrities like Kate Hudson, Natalie Portman, Katherine Heigel, Julianne Moore and Meryl Streep are guilty of wearing these incredible vintage fashions.
Kate Hudson 2010 SAGs, Natalie Portman 2011 Oscar's, Katherine Heigel
Kate Hudson looked stunning at the 2010 Screen Actor’s Guild Awards wearing a long fringed sautoir necklace. Natalie Portman wore some of my favorite jewels last year at the 2011 Oscar’s where she won best actress for “Black Swan.” While keeping her jewelry accessories simple, I am glad she glamed her wardrobe up with these fuchsia tassel earrings.
My favorite tassel jewels from the award shows this year were worn by Julianne Moore. She made me jealous to be a red head. Her emerald and diamond tassel earrings by Fred Leighton looked spectacular in contrast to her auburn hair. With those gorgeous earrings, I’m glad she kept her black Chanel dress elegant and simple. 
Are you eager to add this year’s trend to your wardrobe? Not a problem, take a look at these great tassel jewels for less.
Yellow Gold Tassel Pin/Pendant, $600
Yellow Gold Tassel Charm, $150
What were your favorite jewels from the Red Carpet events so far this year? To be honest, there have been so many great gems it’s hard to only choose one!
On January 11th, 2008 I arrived for what I assumed would be a typical Friday at work. After about an hour on the job, one of my bosses came in and handed me an envelope marked, “Katie.” My boss then instructed me to open the envelope and follow the instructions enclosed.
After opening the envelope, I found the first clue of a large scavenger hunt. This first clue, and three others I uncovered in order, eventually leads me to the top floor of a hotel on Carolina Beach.
In a room on the top floor I found the fifth and final clue, which instructed me go outside to the balcony, which looked out over the beach. When I ran to the balcony I looked down and saw “KATIE WILL YOU MARRY ME?” written in the sand, with my boyfriend Albie standing next to it.
I scrambled down to the first floor, but couldn’t find access to the beach from the hotel. I eventually just circumvented the building entirely and ran out to the beach to meet Albie with a beautiful ring in hand, and the rest is history.
As one year ends and another begins, we all do a personal review and decide what areas need revised. Year after year, we all make over the top resolutions to go to the gym every single day, or swearing off our favorite food! To put it simply, most new year’s resolutions are unrealistic (go figure)! So this year, why not make some easy resolutions you can actually stick to!
Take the stairs
We all see that vacant stairwell while waiting for the crowded elevator and think, “I really should take the stairs.” Although the elevator is easy, taking the stairs will incorporate exercise into your day, and hey, by the end of the year, you may even drop a few pounds! Now don’t the stairs look like a better option!
Unplug
Can you remember a minute that passed by where you weren’t in electronic overload? In this day in age, we are all wired, all the time! This year, invest more time living in the moment and turn off your cell phone during social occasions. That text message or phone call can probably wait, and unplugging for a while will make your face-to-face time more valuable. Honestly, how much information do you retain with your face glued to your phone? Also, those walks in the park may be more enjoyable if you aren’t stopping to tweet about it!
A little eye contact, please
In this age of communicating through all kinds of at-a-distance contact, face time with other people is a rare and highly appreciated skill. Making eye contact is an easy way to show people around you that you’re interested and engaged.
Instead of setting yourself up to fail this new year, cut yourself some slack and get back to the basics. Keep your long term goals and reward yourself as you take the little steps towards them. Pick a few of our suggestions and make some resolutions you are sure to keep! Did you make a new year’s resolution? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!
Every year we can count on the fact that there will be ups and there will be downs, there will be tears and laughter, joys and sorrows. And, there will be jewels to dazzle up all of those moments! As the holiday’s are basically here, and the year comes to a close, we want to know: Was it all you hoped for? Joint Venture Jewelry takes the time to reflect on the year’s greatest moments of bling, glitz, and sparkle! We’ve complied our Top 10 Best Jewelry Moments of 2011.
Royal Wedding
It’s easy to say this was the biggest wedding of the decade! As a full day event, starting at 6am in the US, we all woke up early and watched the handsome Prince William and stunning Catherine Middleton exchange vows in Buckingham Palace on April 29. We could go on and on about the hats, the dresses, and the celebrity guest list, but what really caught our attention was the kiss! William and Kate kissed twice on the balcony, and we’re glad they did! Not to mention, Kate’s engagement ring, previously the late Princess Diana’s, and her knack for style has become the talk of the year! We wish the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge nothing but the best!
Best Engagement Ring: Reese Witherspoon
Bring on the bling! In a year filled with high-profile engagements and impressive jewels, People Magazine overwhelmingly picked Reese Witherspoon’s rare 4-carat Ashoka diamond ring (set on a pavé diamond-and-platinum band) as the hands-down best of the year! And we couldn’t agree more- Reese is the perfect combination of sultry, classy with southern flair! The Oscar winner’s ring has 62-displayed facets and rounded corners to create a dazzle like no other – no wonder she said “I do” to the sparkler.
Twilight’s Bella and Edward’s Wedding
When we say s
parkle, we can’t forget about Cullen sparkle! It may not have been the biggest wedding of the year, but it sure had the glitz! Twilight fans showed their support as Breaking Dawn Part 1 showcased Bella and Edward’ s long anticipated wedding. Although the jewelry was not a focal point, we couldn’t resist Bella’s diamond and sapphire comb and vale. Such a classic, something blue, vintage piece.
Goodbye To the Queen of Talk: Oprah
After a quarter-century on TV, Oprah said goodbye to The Oprah Winfrey Show in May in several spectacular, star-studded Farewell Specials. Oprah is know for many things, but I think we will miss her classy style, that sparkle in her eye and willingness to change the lives of everyone she encountered! Her “aha” moments will never be forgotten.
Oops, Britney Spears did it again!
It’s an understatement to say Britney Spears has had an up and down career. Yet, 2011 has proven good for her. “She’s in a good place now,” says ex-husband and father of her two children, Kevin Federline. She’s got her life back on track now, just finished up her Femme Fatal Tour, turned 30 at the beginning of December, and is now newly engaged, (again) to long-time boyfriend and previous manager, Jason Trawick. She’s got a sparkler 3 ct Neil Lane original. We hope 2012 is just as good, if not better, for the singer.
Gene Simmons & Shannon Tweed, Finally Married
After spending 28 years together, Gene Simmons and Shannon Tweed finally exchanged vows on October 1, in front of 400 guests at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Besides Shannon’s three dresses, another stunner was her 27-carat Goel Talasazan engagement ring. Gene’s ring, by the same designer held special meaning to the couple. They took gold from her fathers wedding ring who died when she was 24, to make a two strand wedding band which represents the couples two children. “I look at my wedding band now and think, what was I afraid of all this time?” shares Simmons. We are so glad the two finally tied the knot and wish them much happiness in the future!
Kim’s (not so) Fairytale Wedding
Kim Kardashian got engaged to NBA basketball star Kris Humphries in May, after only 6 months of dating. Whether or not we want to admit it, we all became engulfed with the Kardashian wedding. The nuptials took place on August 20th, while E! News was set to air Kim’s Fairytale Wedding: A Kardashian Event over two nights in October. We all watched the over-the-top wedding, only to be disappointed after Kim filed for divorce after just 72 days of marriage. We all want to know, could the latest Kardashian spin-off be the final straw for viewers? Is this the end of the Kardashian Era?
“Big girls need big diamonds” -Elizabeth Taylor
Elizabeth Taylor was known for many things: screen icon, humanitarian, and hopeless romantic. When she died on March 23 at age 79 she left behind an extraordinary jewelry estate amassed during her glamorous life as a movie star and high-maintenance beauty. To liquidate Taylor’s estate, an auction took place at Christie’s in New York. The first day of the auction saw a record-setting $116 million sell-off of Taylor’s fanciest jewels. The highlight of the auction was a huge pearl “La Peregrina,” once worn by European royalty. The piece (shown on right) sold for a record $11.84 million. All profits from the sale went to the Elizabeth Taylor Trust, and her AIDS Foundation. Christie’s said the sale was a recognition of her ‘taste and style’ as well as her ‘panache and glamor’.
Beyonce’s Baby Bump
It was the most rocking performance of the year, as Beyonce, who stopped mid-performance at MTV’s Video Music Awards to rub her belly shocked us with her baby announcement with husband Jay-Z. The singer dazzling in purple sparkles above, has won 16 Grammy awards and said in an interview recently that she felt she had achieved enough in her career to settle down and make family a priority. “I just wanted it to be from me, and I wanted it to be something that was a celebration of something so beautiful,” Beyonce said of her theatrical announcement. And it is a beautiful thing, many couples mark the special occasion with “Push Gifts” for the Mother to be, and of course something sparkly would always be best!
Trend Alert: Collar Necklaces
Collar necklaces can never truly go out of fashion, they’ve just evolved and made a huge comeback on the Fall 2011 runways. And we just can’t get enough of these statement collars! Hence why we think they have become the biggest jewelry trend this year!
Did we miss your favorite sparkling moment? Leave us a comment with your Best Jewelry Moment of 2011. We hope 2012 is filled with just as much bling!
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year from the Staff of Joint Venture!
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