Watch any of the major movie, television, and music award shows on television today and one of the first things you'll notice about the celebrities on the red carpet, aside from their extravagant (and sometimes outlandish) attire, are the amount and size of the jewelry they are wearing. Hip-hop jewelry, more commonly known as bling-bling, is definitely not understated fashion. The bigger and the flashier it is, the better. Preferred by many of today's celebrities, hip-hop jewelry adorns the fingers, necks, arms, even the teeth of many stars.

Oversized studs and chains are the trademarks of hip-hop jewelry and are preferred by celebrities such as Sean Combs, or P. Diddy. At the 2004 MTV Video Music Awards, he sported a diamond ring, bracelet, and watch from Jacob and Company. Rapper 50 Cent is another celebrity who is hardly ever seen without his hip-hop jewelry. On his web site, 50 Cent offers more affordable, though just as flashy, bling-bling for those of us who do not earn the megabucks that he and his fellow celebrities rake in. There are also many other web sites that offer low-priced hip-hop jewelry inspired by popular rap artists.

Hip-hop jewelry comes in many shapes and sizes, all of them meant to catch the eye and attract attention. Heavy chains of silver or gold (or both) can oftentimes be seen on celebrities such as LL Cool J and Ja Rule in their music videos. Hip-hop jewelry web sites offer fully 'iced-out' bling-bling, or watches, rings, bracelets and earrings that are heavily decorated with real or faux diamonds. So-called 'spinner' watches and rings are big best sellers in the hip-hop jewelry category. Also available are customized, removable gold, silver and platinum teeth which may be studded with jewels and gemstones, so even the pearly whites can have their share of hip-hop jewelry.

Women celebrities are keeping pace with their male counterparts when it comes to wearing hip-hop jewelry. Stars such as Beyonce, Lil' Kim, Ashanti and Missy Elliott are regularly seen in pictures wearing large diamond jewelry items of various colors. Even young female celebrities are getting on the bling-bling bandwagon. Teen stars like Jo Jo and Hilary Duff are said to be avid hip-hop jewelry enthusiasts and count themselves among the large number of bejeweled stars today.

Large, ostentatious pieces of jewelry did not start becoming popular only because of the hip-hop cultural phenomenon (think Elvis Presley and Tom Jones), but hip-hop has altered the jewelry market in a big way. Fans see what their favorite celebrities are wearing, and there are numerous options for them to emulate their idols, at least in terms of fashion. Jewelry has always been a part of popular culture, and today's hip-hop jewelry and the celebrities who wear them are even more so in this age of instant information.

Technorati Tags: Hiphop, Jewelry, Stars, Today's

Who is mauidivegirl designs?

Lisa has had a passion for art and design for as long as she can remember. The Chicago native with a graphic design background navigated the corporate jungle for many years, but decided in 2004 to take a leap and leave the 9 to 5 grind and the cold weather behind, move to Maui and focus on her island inspired handmade jewelry.

Maui, an island in the middle of the ocean; her favorite recreation, scuba diving; and a passion for design, mauidivegirl designs was born.

Her inspiration comes from the surrounding nature of the Hawaiian islands both above and below the sea with it's life, texture, color and patterns. Lisa's designs combine natural shell, lava, coral, pearls, gemstones, sparkling crystals and story telling into island inspired, budget-friendly wearables, gifts, favors and keepsakes.

]]>

Lisa lives on Maui, Hawaii with her husband Todd and their two cats BooBoo and Schmoo. She continues to be stimulated everyday by the colors and beauty of her environment. When she's not designing, Lisa can be found combing secret beaches for shells, making hand built pottery, cooking and enjoying countless hours of underwater exploration.

Proud vendor of: Whole Foods Hawaii • Persimmon Boutique, Waikoloa, Hawaii • The Enchantress Boutique, Wailea, Maui, Collections Boutique, Makawao, Maui • Neil Pryde, Kahului, Maui • Travel Traders Gift Shops Hawaii & Kauai

http://www.mauidivegirl.com
adorn yourself with aloha ~ handmade jewelry inspired by the sea

All items are beautifully island packaged ready for gifting. Let the islands come to you with this beautifully crafted collection. Perfect for weddings, gifts or a reminder of the islands and they're gorgeous beaches.

Technorati Tags: Handmade, Hawaiian, Inspired, Jewelry

There are so many different important elements to planning a wedding.  Perhaps one of the most important and memorable is selecting the bridesmaids that will stand next to you on your most special day.  You’ve taken the time to pick out the friends that have meant the most to you over the years and the family that will stand by you for life.  There are many ways to give a gift of thanks, but bridesmaids jewelry is one of those gifts that can keep on giving, even after the wedding.

Taking the time to select a piece of unique bridesmaids jewelry for your attendants is a nice way to say thank you for being such a special part of your day.  That gift will not go unnoticed and your bridesmaids will appreciate their gift for years to come.  Finding quality brand bridesmaid jewelry that uses high quality metals, such as sterling silver and gold filled metals is essential to their bridesmaids jewelry lasting a life time.

]]>

Another point to follow would be finding a bridesmaid’s jewelry designer that uses Swarovski brand pearls, crystals and other beads.  This brand of beads is by far the most colorful and sparkly.  The pearls don’t peal or scratch and they have a huge variety of colors.  The crystal color selections go on for miles and combing those two bead elements is just the best way to accent your bridesmaid’s gowns, style and personality.

When browsing different styles of bridesmaids jewelry, consider each bridesmaids style, personality and size.  Not all of their gowns will be the same size, so their jewelry needs to fit like a glove, just as their attendants gowns fit.  Planning ahead and determining each of their wrist sizes and neck sizes will be key in figuring out what styles of bridesmaid jewelry you will need to purchase.  Be sure to keep in mind that a good bridesmaid jewelry company will offer you extender chains for both your necklace and bracelet options.  This option will allow room for sizing error, if you don’t know a bridesmaids size, or if you don’t want to ask.  This will give you an adjustable option that will fit all sizes.

Find bridesmaid jewelry that can be customized to match your wedding colors and theme.  To keep things different, you can opt for the same color scheme, but choose a different piece of bridesmaids jewelry for each of your bridesmaids.  This is an excellent way to give a personalized gift to your bridesmaids that they will enjoy wearing and have as a keepsake.

You have selected your bridesmaids because of their unique style, friendship and love.  Finding jewelry pieces that fit all of those items as well will be appreciated and adored.  Bridesmaids jewelry is a wonderful gift idea that can be both fun to pick out and customize, but fun to give as well.

hyper link to above link if reusing or posting this article in any fashion

Technorati Tags: Bridesmaids, Compliment, Couture, Jewelry, style, Their

Forwarned is forearmed is what I say. This article is written from a male perspective because, well, I'm male. Like many others I've had the not so unique experience of combing through store front after store front for a particular item. Well, make that item SET. You see, I'm looking for an engagement ring and wedding band.

Yep, on that path to matrimony.

So, whereas I was once a newbie in dealing with aggressive diamond jewelry salespeople, I am now the battle hardened shopper who knows what questions to ask and HOW to ask them. Realize this: no matter what YOU say or do in front of the sales person, they will want you to do something at the end of the meeting, even if you are "just looking".

Step 1: Go Alone!

Chances are you won't be able to avoid going by yourself at first, so roll with it. Take her out one or two times looking at rings so that you can get a feel for what she wants. Now, that won't mean you can't afford it, but get a good idea as to shape and color, and how she likes the band to sit on her finger. That's very important, trust me. Some girls like big, gaudy, clunky old fashioned rings, and others like small dimunitive, barely noticeable but it's definately there rings. Get a good feel for what she likes and doesn't like and then go do your own thing. Sometimes it may seem like you're placating her by nodding your head and looking dreamingly into the 45k ring on the table, but don't give in and make a purchase on something you probably can't afford. And those sales people know it, trust me. BUT, they'll use your lady as a bargainning tool in getting you to buy it right there. Small head nods between your woman and the sales person and comments tossed your way about "oh how she's worth it" and "well, we can do payments, we'll discuss that later" do NOT help your cause. This is why you must go alone and bargain alone. All your lady wants to do is pick out her ring, blind to the factors that go into purchasing it.

]]>

Step 2: Be Firm!

Wishy-washy does not exist in a jewelry shop. Chances are even greater that you can bargain down prices, but do your research. You cannot go into a retail jewelry story and not know what's going on. Go to a jewelry forum like www.jewelryforums.org to get the low down on pricing and what to expect when you purchase. So when you get pressured into a certain price set or even pressured to purchase on the spot- BE FIRM! and state your own mind. In the end, they'll do anything for your business except go below their bottom end.

Step 3: Be Careful About Financing!

Another tip not to go blind into a retail jewelry situation. They'll treat you like a king and tell you how wonderful you are purchasing that wedding band set for your girlfriend, but what they're NOT telling you in detail are the financing costs over time. Do your research on those as well. If you're using your credit card, make sure you have the best apr as possible. No need to get stuck with paying for a 5k ring over time that ends up costing you 12k! Trust me. Go into a wedding ring/band buying-researching situation knowing what you can afford and stick to it. Sure she's worth it, but so is buying food and paying for rent or your mortgage too!

I hope these tips were of use to you in your research about buying a diamond ring or wedding band for your soon to be wife. As always, do your research and you'll always come out ahead!

Technorati Tags: Deal, Jewelry, Retail, Salespeople

Wedding celebrations in the usual way may become boring for your guests. To make your D-day more interesting, base it on some kind of a theme. If you are a bride-to-be, look for unique wedding themes like beach wedding theme, garden wedding theme, Cinderella wedding theme, winter wedding theme, and lots more. When you have decided on the theme, you have to make sure that everything you buy right from the apparel to silver wedding jewelry to cake should complement the theme. If you are planning to have a Victorian themed wedding, you can pick stunning Victorian style CZ bridal sets.

What can best represent the theme of the wedding other than colors? You can choose shades that go well with the theme. So, design your wedding attire to match with the background décor. If you have gone for a simple wedding dress, then you can select sterling silver CZ bridal sets to accentuate your looks. But see to that the CZ bridal jewelry your wear doesn't understate your dress.

Though buying CZ bridal sets can ease your job and give you a flawless match, you may also try your hands on mix and match silver wedding jewelry. Sterling silver earrings you choose should match with the sterling silver necklace. Go for CZ sterling silver rings and head piece that complement the wedding theme. Choose CZ bridal sets that include tiaras, combs, and headbands beautifully crafted with CZ stones to decorate your hair.

If you think that you have to spend your fortune to get quality CZ bridal jewelry, then you are wrong! Here is an online store that has an exquisitely designed CZ bridal sets at most reasonable prices. Just log onto My Wedding Jewelry to check out the amazing collection of sterling silver necklaces, CZ sterling silver rings, sterling silver earrings, and loads more.

Technorati Tags: Bridal, Chic, Glitz, Jewelry, Touch

There are a lot of headpieces that a bride can wear. She can wear just a veil, or flowers, or even a tiara. The bridal jewelry tiara is one of the most common things for a bride to wear on her wedding day.

There are as many reasons for this as there are women. Each woman has her own reason as to why she wants a bridal tiara for her birthday. For many the reason is that they want to feel like a princess. What little girl didn't want to be a princess on her wedding day, and all those little girls imagined wearing a crown.

Another reason to choose bridal tiaras is that they make it very easy to secure a veil and wear great hair. A tiara will work with just about any hair style giving the bride a lot of versatility in planning her look. Not all bridal headpieces will do that. Not only do they have versatility with hair styles they also have versatility with the veil placement. Tiaras allow for the veil to be put anywhere because they can help hide the comb that attaches the veil to the hair. There are tiaras that have the veil already attached, but then the bride is stuck wearing the veil the whole day and trying to dance in a long veil can be difficult.

There are many types of bridal tiaras. A bridal jewelry tiara can be as simple as a band with a single row of crystals on it. Or it can be something as big and complex as something that would show up in a beauty pageant. A tiara can also be a clip that gets attached to the bride's hair. They are larger than a barrette, and generally more intricate.

When choosing a bridal jewelry tiara it's important to keep a few things in mind. One is that the tiara and the dress shouldn't fight for attention. The bride should always be the one who shines through, but if her dress is very simple and her tiara is very complex then people are going to look at her tiara more than they are looking at her. Plus the tiara is overwhelming her dress. It's always better to stay simple and move up as needed.

Another thing to think about is ease of use. Most bridal tiaras just slip into the hair and have combs at the ends to secure themselves. For most of them that's all they need. But some of the bigger tiaras can be very top heavy and need to have extra combs or clips used to secure them. The bride should make sure that her tiara goes on easily and stays on no matter how much she moves.

There are many choices that a bride can make for her wedding day. Deciding what kind of headpiece to wear is just one of them. A bridal jewelry tiara is always a good choice. A tiara helps the little girl that the bride used to fulfill her dreams of being a princess on her big day.

Technorati Tags: Bridal, Bride, Every, Feel, Jewelry, Like, Makes, Princess, Tiara

All set for your great day? You must have planned everything to the last detail, from getting the wedding dress to planning for wedding favors. Have you decided how to dress your tresses to suit your wedding gown? I have compiled a few pointers, which I guess will be helpful to decide on the kind of bridal hair jewelry that you can get to complement your hairdo. Though wedding hair accessories are really important, we don’t seem to pay them enough attention like we do when we purchase our wedding jewelry.

1. If you have medium length or long hair, then it would be best to let it down. Straighten it for a sleek look or curl your hair to add a little bounce. You can fasten hair jewelry combs or the rhinestone headbands to create that oomph effect!

]]>

2. Want to try out pearl bridal jewelry? You can either pick the Pearly Petals Headband or the Royal Dangling Pearl Tiara for a simple, yet elegant look.

3. For longer hair that has a natural curl, you can go for hair styles like the Double Asian Knot, a simple top knot, or Simply Elegant Updo. Accessorize them with the Pearl and Rhinestone Hair Accessory or the Dreamy Rhinestone Tiara. You can also add flower hair spirals for that stylish look.

4. Another hair style that you can choose is to side part the hair, pull it back flat and tight, and pile lots of curls on top. You can complete this hairstyle with the classic rhinestone tiara and a gossamer veil combination. Accessorize with beautiful bridal hair pins and hair jewelry combs.

5. If you are the kind of bride, who wants a simple hair style, then pin your hair with the Getaway Rhinestone Hair Clip and complete the look with the cute Simple Elegance Rhinestone Headband.

I hope this post has given you an idea of what kind of bridal hair jewellery that you can pick for your wedding day. You can also log onto MyWeddingJewerly.com that has an extensive collection of bridal hair jewelry such as flower hair spirals, rhinestone headbands, bridal hair pins, hair jewelry combs, and more.

Technorati Tags: Bridal, Chic, Cute, dress, Hair, Jewelry, Tresses

As a bride, you want the elements of your wedding ensemble to complement and enhance your natural beauty, not compete for attention. That is why most experts recommend wearing simple wedding jewelry sets. What should your jewelry ensemble consist of? That depends on your hair and dress. Here are some tips to help you pull it all together.

Earrings

Keep your dress and hairstyle in mind when you choose earrings. Chandelier or dangly earrings can look wonderful with an up do, but can become tangled if you wear your hair down. If your dress is elaborate, keep the earrings simple. Popular choices for a formal wedding include pearl studs, diamonds, and crystal solitaire earrings.

Hair Jewelry

Tiaras, hairpins, combs, and decorated headbands can all add interest and glamour to your wedding hair. If you choose an eye-catching piece, such as a crown-like tiara, let this be the central element in your jewelry ensemble. A subtle piece, like a pearl comb, can complement more elaborate jewelry.

Back jewelry

You can enhance the look of a backless or low-cut gown by wearing a back drop, backwards strands of opera-length pearls, or lariat. This also adds more interest for the guests during the ceremony.

Necklace or pearls

The necklace can be bold (to complement a simple wedding dress) or delicate (to balance the look of an elaborate gown). If your gown has an interesting neckline, you may want to go without. Keep in mind that different lengths work best with different necklines. Generally, leave a gap between the neckline and necklace. Alternately, you can wear long pearls or a necklace below the neckline if your dress is unadorned.

Wrist wear

Unless your dress is strapless, the general rule is to keep hands and wrists unadorned (except for the wedding ring set, of course). Or, wear a delicate bracelet as an accent piece. Too much "going on" around your wrists or hands will distract attention away from you and the gown, and fragment the look. The strapless gown is the exception. A cuff or other substantial bracelet can enhance bared shoulders and arms.

Earrings, necklace, hair jewelry, back jewelry, and bracelet. Wear all, some, or none. But keep in mind that together they should create a balanced look. Most importantly, the jewelry ensemble should reflect you and your personal style.

Technorati Tags: Jewelry, Pieces, Should, Wear, Wedding

When thinking of weddings, sometimes speaking in turn, wedding jewelry. Pearl is always a good gift for giving to a bride to her wedding. Pearl jewelry usually includes a necklace, bracelet and earrings. There are wedding jewelry for the bridesmaids too. All types of pearl jewelry is white. There are many pearls that can be used at the wedding, such as jewelry Akoya, South Sea and freshwater pearls for the female wedding party. There are also hair jewelry that can be used on the big day, as well as sets of necklaces. There are also inexpensive mother of pearl, and simulated pearl wedding jewelry.

You do not have to spend a fortune to look good on your wedding day. Giving this Kind of Pearl Jewelry is a great way to say "I care." The classic elegance of the jewels of this time after the ceremony. Many pearls are gifts before the big day, thus adding to the class of wedding gown. As these pearls are white or cream to go with any computer and add elegance to wedding dress. The pearl is a gift of love and purity which are perfect for any ceremony.

Outstanding everything from bracelets, string of pearls, necklaces and hair ornaments may have pearls in them. That is why we are perfect gifts for the wedding party. Other issues in relation to jewelry pearl wedding include headache, necklaces, tiaras and hair combs. Jewelry need not be expensive. Remember that salt water is the most expensive, fresh water is less expensive, and simulated pearl is the least expensive of the three. Pearls add to the beauty of the bride instead of outshining the bride on her special day.

These make a perfect gift for the bridesmaids and flower girl. Pearl Wedding Jewelry can come in sets of necklace, bracelets and earrings, or can be purchased separately. No matter what kind of jewelry is, the gift is always appreciated by the recipient. Since Pearl has symbolized love and purity, it is no wonder why this is a great gift for the party. The elegant look of pearls add beauty to the bride and her wedding party. There are many different elements that can be chosen for the wedding of pearls and jewels, at times, pearls have been a cream or champagne color.

Technorati Tags: Gift, Innocence, Jewelry, Love, Pearl, Wedding

In every person’s lifetime, there are several unforgettable occasions. One such precious moment is your wedding day where you step into a new life filled with hope and anticipation. More than the groom, it is the bride who is constantly on her toes and looking after the last minute details. After all, it has to be a fairytale wedding. Everything has to be perfect from the wedding gown and wedding jewelry to the hairstyle and shoes.

At My Wedding Jewelry, you will find a great range of bridal jewelry and wedding jewelry sets that will perfectly complement your bridal wear. If you’re going for a traditional look, pearl bridal jewelry will be the ultimate choice. Pearl wedding jewelry sets, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets come in classic designs and patterns. Our elegant and sophisticated pearl wedding jewelry can be used for the bridal shower and after your wedding too. Modern brides can check out our selection of wedding jewelry sets made form rhinestones. Our pretty rhinestone necklaces will set off your neckline perfectly.

Our wedding jewelry collection also includes dangly earrings. On silver-plated or gold-plated bases, these earrings are studded with clear and colored rhinestones. Our earrings are available in lovely styles like chandelier, hoop, and teardrop earrings. You wedding day hairstyle is also important. Keeping that in mind, My Wedding Jewelry also has a wide range of hair accessories like simple headbands, jeweled combs, sparkly hair pins, and rhinestone tiaras. You can choose these pretty hair accessories to match your elaborate hairdos.

Our wedding jewelry collection also caters to your entire bridal party. From the bridesmaids and the maid of honor to the flower girls, our wedding jewelry sets, earrings, and necklaces will cater to all of them. Not to leave the groom behind, there are pocket watches, cuff links, and rings for him, his best man, and groomsmen.

Technorati Tags: Elegant, Jewelry, Unique, Wedding