March 24, 2009 at 1:50 pm (Jewelry Styles)
Tags: bracelets, earrings, Jewelry, Mark Twain, new creations, Painted Beauty Jewelry, rings, spring, treasures, trendy
Get a jump on spring things with the latest trendy treasures
Painted Beauty has created!
Swinging in Sunshine Earrings
Follow Your Dreams Earrings
Morning Smiles Earrings
Elsewhere Bracelet
Possession Ring
Watermelon Sorbet Bracelet
“It’s SPRING FEVER . . .
You don’t quite know what it is you DO want,
but it just fairly makes your heart ache, you want it so!”
~ Mark Twain
February 26, 2009 at 5:52 pm (Jewelry Styles)
Tags: beautiful, black, bold, bracelets, butterflies, chandeliers, choosing jewelry, coral, earrings, economy, ethnic, exotic, flowers, gold, green, handcrafted, India, Jewelry, silver, spring 2009, trends, turquoise, white, yellow
SPRING 2009 IS IN THE AIR . . .
Black & White . . . always classic, always in style.
Coral & Yellow are the warm palettes this spring . . .
look to the country of India for inspiration.
Amazonite greens & translucent turquoise look great for a cool palette.
November 20, 2008 at 8:01 pm (Jewelry Styles)
Tags: Bella, books, Breaking Dawn, designs, Eclipse, Edward, handcrafted, inspiration, Jewelry, love, movie, New Moon, premiere, reading, Stephenie Meyer, Twilight, Twilight Saga, vampires
If you’re a fan, then you’re already well aware of the fact that Twilight premieres in movie theaters this Friday, November 21st. The Twilight Saga written by Stephenie Meyer is, without a doubt, one of the most fantastically enthralling series I have ever read in my life. There’s something MaGiCaL about these stories . . . something that draws you in and doesn’t release you until you have read the final book, the final word and yet, you still desire more. So, you reread the books again and again in an attempt to feel fulfilled . . . sounds crazy, right? I thought so too when everyone around me was buzzing about the books. I was a reluctant reader indeed and now my life has been forever changed.
As a designer, I immediately felt inspired to create jewelry that correlated with each book in the series . . . I have started with earrings, but I have ideas for more . . . I always do! Breaking Dawn, the fourth and final book in the Saga, is one that still leaves me pondering. I have been puttering around with various design ideas for weeks and still have yet to nail anything down . . . I’ve almost got it, so stay tuned for the big reveal!
“I am like a falling star who has finally found her place next to another in a lovely constellation, where we will sparkle in the heavens forever.” ~ Amy Tan
“If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were always yours. If they don’t, they never were.” ~ Unknown
Fire and Ice
“Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire.
But if I had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction of ice
Is also great
And would suffice.”
~ Robert Frost
October 7, 2008 at 9:00 pm (Jewelry Styles)
Tags: 2008-2009, fall, jewelry trends, Lake Norman Woman Magazine, Press, seasonal, winter
Jewelry will play a pivotal role in fashion during the fall and winter 2008/2009 seasons!
♦ It is shaping up to be an interesting fall and winter for jewelry styles . . . everything from BOLD and PLAYFUL to SLEEK and MODERN. 
♦ Jewelry styles are also going to be BIGGER and MORE EXTREME than we’ve seen in past years. Think big baubles! This is the time to throw caution to the wind and try those big, bold styles you’ve never had the nerve to try before. 
♦ PEARLS have definitely not lost their luster. We’ll continue to see them standing along (always classic), as well as interspersed with a multitude of stones, particularly BLACK ONYX/AGATE and SMOKY QUARTZ which are hot stones for cooler weather.
♦ CHUNKY CHAINS are being incorporated into designs for an updated, elaborate twist. STERLING SILVER will be an important feature of accessories this season as we move into cooler weather.
♦ ASYMMETRICAL designs that incorporate MULTI-FACETED STONES are emerging for a sleek and contemporary look.
♦ ASIAN influences will be present this year with everything from intricately carved, semi-precious stone pendants combined with leather cord or paired with a diversity of stones.
♦ PENDANTS and NECKLACES will be LARGE, BOLD, and ECLECTIC with a variety of unique design elements . . . everything from LONG to CHOKER LENGTHS. 
♦ BRACELETS, particularly CUFF bracelets will continue to be in style along with CHAIN bracelets.
♦ EARRING styles will be BOLD with BIG LOOPS and CIRCLES. 
Always remember . . . when choosing jewelry, CHOOSE WHAT YOU LOVE! Finding jewelry that not only flatters you, but that you feel good wearing is the perfect complement to any outfit.
Don’t be afraid to be a trend-SETTER!
June 18, 2008 at 10:33 am (Jewelry Styles)
Tags: anniversary, brooch, custom, design, flower, marriage, one-of-a-kind, present
ALWAYS
May you always be warmed by
each other’s smile,
Always take time to walk
and talk awhile,
Always know deep down you’re
each other’s best friend,
And enjoy the kind of love that
grows and knows no end.
Recently, I was contacted by a dear friend of the family. She and her husband are celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary on June 26th and she asked me to create a brooch (it’s always been her signature accessory) . . . “It will be my anniversary present from Bill to me,” she explained.
Ladies, isn’t that wonderful?!?! By the time you reach 65 years of marriage, you no longer have to wait and see if your husband will remember your special day . . . you will no longer have to wonder whether or not he got you something to show you how much he still cares . . . WHY? you may be asking yourself? After that many years together I suppose you just take matters into your own hands!!!! It’s a fabulous concept, isn’t it?!?!
Only 60 more years of marriage to go . . .
June 4, 2008 at 1:05 pm (Jewelry Styles)
Tags: bridal, bride, bridesmaids, earrings, Jewelry, necklaces, new creations, summer
“True happiness comes from the joy of deeds well done,
the zest of creating things new.”
~ Antoine de Saint-Exupery
As promised, I have uploaded some new creations to the website . . . ENJOY!
View some fun and colorful earrings and necklaces for summer!http://paintedbeauty.com/new_creations.php
Interested in seeing some new bridal jewelry?
http://paintedbeauty.com/category.php?cid=15&pcname=Earrings
Until next time, have a beautiful day!
May 30, 2008 at 8:36 am (Jewelry Styles)
Tags: bracelets, custom orders, earrings, heirlooms, necklaces, one-of-a-kind, repurposing, rings, unique, vintage
“May brooks and trees and singing hills join in the chorus too,
and every gentle wind that blows, send happiness to you.”
~Irish Blessing
As women, aren’t we all a bit fond of the idea of having the only one of something? Something that is unique, unusual, and undeniably desired by others? Something that can’t be found anywhere else (except for your jewelry box, that is)? If you’re thinking, “I don’t really care if someone else has the same necklace as me . . . ” then you’re kidding yourself. There’s something magical about having something that is different! You know it’s true!!!
Recently, Debbie, the Managing Director for the Lake Norman Chapter of the eWomen Network approached me with what she called “stones.” She proceeded to hand over a little bag containing four different stones . . . all shiny, all different in shape and size, and all extremely beautiful. She gave me free reign to create something unusual using one of her beloved “stones.” YAY!!!!! What fun it was to be creative and design something that would be hers and hers alone. The finished product was unlike anything I had ever created before. I had never worked with a loose stone before . . . a stone that didn’t have any drilled holes through which I could feed wire. This time I had to expand my thoughts and ideas. I taught myself how to do a basket weave with the wire to make a “cage” for the stone. I loved every minute of this project . . . and I would like to do more! Where am I going with this? I’ll tell you!
If you are someone who ~
. . . has sea glass or loose stones (or even chandelier crystals)
. . . has vintage, heirloom jewelry that needs repurposing
. . . has a favorite color or a favorite gemstone
. . . is looking for a one-of-a-kind gift to give someone special
. . . is looking for something unique and different
I’m your gal! I would be happy to create a custom piece of jewelry especially for you or someone special in your life. Just give me a call (704) 293-5343 or e-mail me Leigh@paintedbeauty.com to chat!
April 4, 2008 at 8:05 am (Jewelry Styles)
Ladies, when it comes to necklaces, there are plenty of options. Did you know that there are six different necklace lengths to choose from? If your answer is ‘no’ then keep on reading because I’m going to give you the skinny!
COLLAR ~ 12″ or 13″ in length
Collars are usually made up of three or more strands and lie snugly on the middle of the neck. Collars are very Victorian and luxurious in style and tend to go best with elegant V-necks, boat necks, or off the shoulder fashions.
CHOKER ~ 14″-16″ in length
A choker is perhaps the most classic and versatile of all the single strand lengths. A simple choker can go with virtually any outfit from casual to fancy evening wear and, even better, just about any neckline style imaginable!
*This length works particularly well for a child because it will allow “room to grow.”
PRINCESS ~ 17″-19″ in length
The princess length necklace is best suited for crew and high necklines. It also complements low, plunging necklines. *This style supports a pendant very well.
MATINEE ~ 20″-24″ in length
Longer than the choker and just a bit shorter than an opera length, the matinee necklace is the perfect choice for casual or business attire.
OPERA ~ 28″-34″ in length
The opera necklace is the “queen” of all the lengths. When worn as a single strand, it is refined and perfect for high or crew necklines. When doubled upon itself, it serves as a versatile two stranded choker. *Traditionally, this is the most common length for a necklace.
ROPE OR LARIAT ~ Over 45″ in length
This necklace style oozes with elegance and sex appeal. In fact, the pearl rope was a favorite worn by fashion icon, Coco Chanel. Clasps placed in strategic locations throughout the necklace will enable you to break it down into multi-strand necklace and bracelet combinations. *Lariats are at least 48″ in length, with the ends left unattached for knotting or wrapping around the neck. This necklace length is a must-have!
March 18, 2008 at 8:58 am (Jewelry Styles)
Tags: 2008, accessories, bold, bright, cocktail rings, color, gems, Jewelry, necklaces, spring, trends
“It’s tempting to wish for the perfect boss, the perfect parent, or the perfect outfit. But maybe the best any of us can do is not quit, play the hand we’ve been dealt, and accessorize what we’ve got.” ~ Carrie Bradshaw, Sex & the City
Okay, so here it is . . . the skinny on what’s hot when it comes to accessorizing what you’ve got this spring.
B . . . O . . . L . . . D . . . what does that spell? That’s right, you’ve got it, BOLD! Larger, bolder styles that are GEM INTENSIVE are totally hot this season.
Don’t be afraid to throw on fashion necklaces that are BRIGHT and popping with COLOR!
Do you have some COCKTAIL RINGS that you absolutely love, but you only pull them out of your jewelry box for a cocktail party? Everyday is worthy of your favorite cocktail ring. Go on . . . make a statement . . . BE YOURSELF! While you’re at it, go on ahead and mix yourself a cosmopolitan ~ when in Rome, right?!?! With all of this being said, the tried and true statement from days of yesteryear still remains . . . LESS IS MORE.
February 10, 2008 at 10:36 am (Jewelry Styles)
Tags: be unique, choosing jewelry, earrings, face shape, height, necklaces
10 Ways to Choose Jewelry That Will Enhance Your Appearance
Everyone loves to wear jewelry, but did you know that the shape and style of jewelry you choose can actually enhance your appearance? You are unique and deserve to adorn jewelry that will complement your features and shape. Here’s how:
OVAL FACE
Any shape necklace will work if you have an oval face. A choker looks just as good as opera-length pearls, or any necklace that comes to a “V.”
Round shapes, such as button or hoop earrings will look great on you if you have an oval face, but triangular-shaped earrings are especially flattering. Dangling earrings are fabulous as well, provided they are not too long.
ROUND FACE
To give a dimension of length to your look, search for long necklaces. Look for necklacs tha are 28″-32″ in length.
Square, oblong, rectangular, dangling, and angular designs are all good choices when looking at earrings. Elongated styles work well for your face because they will draw attention down instead of around. Stay away from big button style earrings or hoops since you don’t want to emphasize the fullness of your face.
RECTANGULAR or OBLONG FACE
A high choker reduces the length of your face, particularly if you have a very long neck. In addition, a necklace that ends in a “U” shape will flatter your face. Look for necklaces that are 16″-18″ in length.
Choose jewelry that will add the illusion of width to your face; this will help camouflage the length of your face. Stay away from longer, dangling earrings.
HEART-SHAPED FACE
A choker necklace is always a favorite style with your face shape because it softens and diminishes the sharp angle of your chin.
Look for earrings that are wider at the bottom than the top. Dangling earrings that form a triangle are especially flattering, as are chandelier earrings.
TALL
Would you like to draw attention away from your glorious height? Choose necklaces that are short and rest near your collarbone (necklaces that are 16″-18″ in length are most flattering). Choker necklaces can also work to make you look shorter.
SHORT
Would you like to give the perception that you are taller than you are? Choose necklaces that are longer. Necklaces that are V-shaped or Y-shaped (such as a lariat) can elongate your appearance. Choose necklaces that go below your bust line, but do not pass your waist. These styles will elongate your torso, making you appear taller.
Always remember . . . when choosing jewelry, CHOOSE WHAT YOU LOVE! Finding jewelry that not only flatters you, but that you feel good wearing is the perfect complement to any outfit.
