A new year has begun and even though we aren’t out of the cold yet, the world of fashion and design is now on to Spring! Runways have already had several Spring 2012 collections stroll the catwalk, and Pantone has unleashed its color picks for the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These colors will be seen in clothing, jewelry, home décor and more. Here are tips on how to work them into your life.

Tangerine Tango has been announced as the Color of the Year, so it will be showing up everywhere. You can make it bold and trendy by pairing it with complementary bright colors like Cockatoo, Solar Power and Cabaret.  Use Tangerine Tango in a bold blouse, a geometric pattern on upholstery or chunky accessories for contrast!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want a more subdued look, use foundation colors to tone it down like khaki, nude, navy and black.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colorblocking is another hot trend for bold colors this Spring. Accessorize with stones like fire opal with nudes, navy blue, red and purple.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The subtler colors of Spring work well together. Try putting Bellflower with Starfish and Driftwood.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sodalite Blue can be used as a unique substitute for navy, and it makes for a stunning evening look.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stay tuned, and we will show you how these colors work for a wedding.

Welcome to 2012! As we start a new year, we also start a new season of trends. The Spring 2012 fashion shows have already shown some of the great colors, styles and accessories that will be must-haves for this new year. Some of the 2011 trends will carry into 2012 and continue to impress. Looking forward, JCK online has offered up a list of the great up and coming jewelry trends.

January is considered the bridal industry’s “Black Friday”, so first up on the list is hair jewelry for the brides to be. Younger crowds on the bridal runways and red carpets are turning to barrettes, hair bands, tiaras and brooches for an elegant and whimsical effect.

 

                   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A big inspiration for jewelry in 2012 is the remake of the classic The Great Gatsby and the HBO series Boardwalk Empire.  From these come flower motifs and Art-Deco pieces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Another classic is sticking around as well, freshwater pearls. Elegance and affordability make these beauties a strong feature of many new collections.

 

 

 

Moveable and interchangeable jewels, such as ear charms and eternity-link drop earrings mix well with the voluminous fashions. These handy pieces can give added drama to those who crave it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The classic pendant necklace continues to be a staple as it can accessorize a wide range of styles from dressy to casual, and lends itself well to layering.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, if you want to get a little sporty, slap on a bright watch with your favorite hoodie!

 

 

 

 

 

Go geometric this year with square rings and bangles. These work wonderfully with long column dresses!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The color of 2012 is Tangerine Tango, so pair your fire opals and citrine stones with bright colors to create color blocking. This look is all over the spring runways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This spring, the gold standard is being reinforced. Rich golds have been evident on the spring runways in clothing and stones such as beryl and rutilated quartz.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit your local Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers for more trends and have one of our stylists get you ready for 2012.

As deep and succulent as the seeds of a pomegranate comes the birthstone of January, garnet. This stone received its fitting name from the Latin word “granatus” meaning “grain” or “seed”. Though it deeply resembles the pomegranate seed, it isn’t something you want take a bite of. The garnet has a Moh’s hardness of 6.5 to 7.5, which will definitely damage teeth.

The garnet is most commonly known for its deep red hue, but it does have a variety of others such as, muted yellows, vibrant oranges, rosy pinks, lime greens, and violets. This bouquet of colors is due to the varying levels of elements within each gem.

This stone has no shortage of myths behind it. During Biblical times, it was said that Noah hung this gem on the Arc to light his way through the dark and stormy nights. In Greece, the garnet was linked to the story of Persephone, the sunshine goddess. Persephone was abducted by Hades, god of the underworld. Hades eventually released her but sent her on her way with seeds of a pomegranate, which guaranteed her return to him.

Archaeologists have found primitive style garnet jewelry among the graves of lake dwellers dating back to the Bronze age. Not all garnet is of gem quality and can be used as an abrasive for commercial grinding and polishing. Industrial sandpaper is often coated with garnet.

Today, the garnet continues to be the protective gem of journeyers. It is thought to symbolize love and the desire of a loved one’s safe travels and speedy homecoming.

 

In the time between Thanksgiving and New Year’s, more people get engaged than any other time of the year. With that time coming to a close, the bridal industry is preparing for their “Black Friday” month: January. So, for those of you starting the new year with a ring on your finger, here is what to expect in bridal trends.

If you are a fashionista who follows red carpet trends, you may want to show some leg. Slender dresses with high slits will be quite popular in 2012.

 

 

Layering has been a long time fashion “must”, and now it is appearing in bridal fashion! Gowns that have multiple layers and textures are big for this next year.

 

 

 

For those who can plan quickly for the summer, or if you are getting married in a warm climate, short and sweet may be just what you need.

 

 

 

After the royal wedding in 2011, blush colored, long-sleeve, lace gowns are trending strong for 2012. This regal inspiration is also bringing out illusion necklines, which are often sheer, embellished fabric that layers over the neckline like a veil.

 

 

 

To help complete the look, adding a stylish bolero or cape can keep bare shoulders warm during the fall or winter. Or if that is too much, just add an embellished belt to jazz up a simple gown.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

When looking to shoes, hair accessories and bouquets, don’t be afraid to add feathers. This soft and elegant touch is continuing on from 2011. Also, natural looking, freshly plucked bouquets are a favorite among brides. If you are looking for a more unique look, create your bouquet incorporating some of your favorite jewels.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Now, when it comes to centerpieces and favors, personalization is the key. More and more people are looking for ways to include their furry family members in the wedding. Wedding planner Preston Bailey encourages flower sculptures of your pets as centerpieces or favors are the way to go. Others recommend personalizing favors by incorporating your hobbies, interests or tastes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Invitations are also getting a makeover. Add a graphic to create style and pizzazz.

 

 

 

 

In case you are still looking to add a ring to your finger, or your loved one’s, personalizing engagement or wedding rings using unusual diamond cuts, colors or shapes is the way to go for 2012.

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Harry Ritchie’s Jewelers for more inspiration.

 

 

Trends pulled from an article in the Washington Post, http://www.washingtonpost.com/lifestyle/style/wedding-trends-for-2012/2011/12/19/gIQAAsHjHP_gallery.html#photo=9.

Not all jewelry shown can be found at all Harry Ritchie’s locations.

The holidays are arriving quickly and many of you are still looking for that perfect gift… Why not get her something that will give her a stylish start to 2012? Not sure what that would be? That’s why we are here! Here are some of jewelry’s hottest trends for 2012.

Bold necklaces will still be hot for spring. If she is more of the romantic type, go with something colorful and flowery. If she is bold, go with chunky or long necklaces.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your special someone is more into bracelets, you can’t go wrong with bangles. Everyone loves a little bling around their wrist. Go for big, bold rhinestone  encrusted bangles or several skinny ones that she can stack. If you want a different look, flower bangles are rising in popularity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For the last staple piece, go big and bold. Long chandelier earrings with vibrantly colored precious stones are all the rage for Spring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Visit Harry Ritchie’s for even more incredible gift ideas this holiday season!

Items shown not available at all locations!

December is one of the most magical months of the year. Twinkle lights line the streets, malls are bustling with shoppers, scurrying to find the perfect gifts while families gather to share in the joy of the season.

December can also be a very emotional month… Seeing children’s faces light up and revisiting fond memories. Families gathering, reuniting with loved ones and the spirit of the season all make December one of the most romantic months. It is no wonder then, that December is considered to be the most popular month for popping the question!

So, if you are still searching for the perfect gift, we thought we’d share some creative ideas (thanks to http://theknot.com) for popping the question during this magical month.

1.   For those who want to stay out of the hustle and bustle this time of year, stay home. Plan the ultimate at-home evening with whatever you like done to the extreme. If you both love wine and cheese, play it up with champagne and caviar. When the moment is right, ask.

2.   Make an advent calendar. Each door will reveal a sentimental memory or reason you love your spouse-to-be. Place your proposal behind the door for December 25^th. If you practice Judaism you can use this idea for Hanukkah gifts, with each gift building up to your proposal.

3.   For you dog lovers out there, enlist your pooch to help! Put a ring on a ribbon around the dog’s neck. Then send him (her) in to greet your beloved. If you have two dogs, attach a “Marry Me” sign to the other one and send them in together.

4.   Make two time capsules. Put souvenirs and snapshots from your relationship into the capsule for the year that is ending. Put only a ring box into the second, signifying a new beginning.

5.   Spell out “Will you marry me?” in rose petals on the snow.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The cool months of winter are often associated with an icy blue. This is one reason the Blue Topaz is a perfect fit for December’s birthstone. Ironic enough, it is derived from the Sanskrit word “tapas,” meaning fire. The ancient civilizations thought the stone had cooling powers. They believed you could throw it into boiling water to cool it and that its presence could calm hot tempers as well.

Blue Topaz has been connected to several healing powers such as curing insanity, asthma, weak vision and insomnia. That’s not all, it was also thought to have magical powers. Among them, the ability to make its wearer invisible in a threatening situation.

This magical stone is naturally colorless, but when heated, it varies between three different blues: Sky, Swiss and London Blue. London Blue is the deepest of the colors and is often used as a less expensive alternative to Sapphire.

Modern times have brought new meanings and symbolisms to this stone. A gift of Blue Topaz is symbolic of love and fidelity.

Learning how to properly accessorize your outfits can be more difficult than putting your actual outfit together. Many people would rather go without any accessories than go through the process of finding the right ones. With the following tips from TLC’s Style Guides, you will be able to turn your look into style.

One of the first ways to go about accessorizing an outfit is to actually accessorize for your body type. If you are wider in the hips, balance your look by wrapping a shawl/scarf around your shoulders or adding big statement earrings. If you are larger in the bust than anywhere else, try a wide studded belt around your hips or platform shoes. The basic idea is to draw the eye to the positive and away from the negative. Accentuate a long neck with a choker or add a bold bracelet to slender wrists. In areas that you would rather not draw attention, use simple, neutral monotone accessories in colors like black, navy or tan. Use bright, embellished or intricate pieces for areas that you want to highlight.

Another way to approach accessorizing is by outfit. It is best to create a theme using color, texture or another unifying element or era. As an example, pair a gold cuff bracelet with a drapey, Grecian maxi-dress. You want to start by choosing a focal point, use only one statement piece at a time. Do not pair a large necklace with large earrings or a large bracelet. Another thing to watch out for is matching your accessories exactly to your outfit or to each other. You don’t want to put a statement owl necklace with little owl earrings and an owl bracelet. The owl will lose its charm.

Hopefully that helps ease the pain of accessorizing your outfit and helps propel you forward into a new world of style and fashion. For more tips, visit http://tlc.howstuffworks.com/style.

We’ve been seeing A LOT of color for this season’s fashion trends, but there is still something to say for black and white. Put a feminine twist on the tuxedo look with tailored jackets, soft fabrics, heels and even skinny jeans. Make it even more inspired by adding a statement jewelry piece, red lips and mixing it up with lighter, ivory hues.

Taking away the structured, three-piece appearance of the tuxedo helps to make it more feminine. Instead of always wearing pants, throw on some polished black shorts with ankle boots or a flowing tie-neck blouse instead of a stiff white button up. You can still use the white button up and pair it with some skinny blue jeans and heals.

Find more inspiration and looks at http://www.fabsugar.com/Tuxedo-Fashion-Trend-Fall-2011-18849040.

October is illuminated with the shimmering colors of the Opal. The Romans called the Opal “Cupid Paederos,” meaning “child beautiful as love”. It was believed at one point that the Opal arrived on earth from heaven in a “flash of fiery lightning”.

The Opal actually dates back to prehistoric times and is a mineral found near the earth’s surface in areas where ancient geothermal hot springs once existed. As these hot springs dried up, layers of silica combined with the water and were deposited into cracks of bedrock, forming Opal. The jewel actually contains up to 30% water, which makes it more delicate.

Opals were treasured by the ancient monarchs for their beauty and supposed protective powers. It was thought that opals warded off evil and protected eyesight. Some would even grind the opals up and ingest them to keep away nightmares.

Now, a gift of Opal is said to symbolize faithfulness and confidence.