Instantly Chic

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The Latest Thing in fashion right now are scarfs. Layer, layer, layer your scrafs and your jewelry. It's beautiful and it's all the rave!

LATEST GEMSTONE TRENDS. We can't seem to get enough of gemstone jewelry these days -- and it is everywhere. If you haven't picked up a gemstone necklace yet you are missing out on what everyone else already knows. . We can't seem to get enough of gemstone jewelry these days -- and it is everywhere. If you haven't picked up a gemstone necklace yet you are missing out on what everyone else already knows.

December's birthstone, Turquoise, is back! It was hot in the '70s and it has returned with a vengeance. Turquoise is showing up on the runways, in all the trendy boutiques and on all the home shopping networks. Long used by Native Americans for assuring good fortune. Wearing turquoise is said to shift one’s emotional center towards love and enhance the wearer’s feeling of “oneness” and unity with other people. Mostly paired with sterling silver, you will also see this amazing stone used with gold. A stunning combination.

Jasper is another popular stone. Seen mostly in shades of red, green and brown. One beautiful choice is Picture Jasper. As the name suggests, the banding or stripes often resemble a picture of a landscape or mountains. It is absolutely amazing what nature created in Jasper. Jasper is the mystical birthstone for October.

Moonstone is a translucent stone with a white or blue sheen. It is characterized by an enchanting play of light. Its distinctive shimmer is reminiscent of opal. In India, Moonstone is regarded as a sacred and magical stone, believed to bring the wearer beautiful visions at night. How romantic is that. In earlier times, people believed they could recognise in it the crescent and waning phases of the moon. Also said to balance yin/yang.

Lapis has a grand history. It was one of the first gemstones to be worn as jewelry. In its finest form Lapis is a deep blue with golden inclusions. Lapis was a popular stone thousands of years ago in Egypt, Greece and Rome and was also regarded as holy and magical. Powdered lapis was used by Egyptian ladies as a cosmetic eye shadow. Today this gemstone is known around the world as the stone of friendship and truth.

These gemstones are just a few of the popular choices you can find on the market today. Chunky, bold designs are all the rage! Yesterday, today and tomorrow. Gemstones are here to stay. Test their beauty, lore, and healing properties for yourself.

Gemstones are used not only in fashion, but are loved by many for their holistic and healing powers. Do you have an interesting story about gemstones? Tell us about your favorite gemstones and why they intrigue you. Click Here and send us your story.

Don't waste one more minute fretting over what to wear. Dress up even the plainest outfit with stunning handcrafted jewelry. Keep your wardrobe simple and wear your jewelry proudly! Put on a piece of Handcrafted Jewelry by Instantly Chic!

TAKE CARE OF YOUR HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY! Making a purchase for a handcrafted design is an investment in your jewelry wardrobe. So protect your purchases by being good to your jewelry. Handle your pieces with care. Be sure to put your jewelry on as the last thing you do before you walk out the door. Do not use hair spray after you've put your jewelry on and put your perfume on first too! These residues can break down and ruin the brilliance of your handcrafted jewelry.

HOW COLOR CAN AFFECT AND CHANGE YOUR MOOD. COLOR affects us on many different levels. Next time you to go your closet think about how you want to feel and put on a color that will evoke the feeling and attitude you want to put out into the world. Below are some color guidelines to get you thinking.

Red - Vibrance and energy. The Lady in Red is a sultry figure. If you wear red you are confident and self-assured. Red, like the traffic sign, means stop and pay attention. Did you know anyone can wear red? Yes -- you can too!

Pink - This color is said to invoke a feeling of being cared for. When I think pink, I think Girl Power. Pink is feminine, youthful and fresh. Pink will brighten your face.

Green - The color most often seen in nature. Green can help balance your mood. The world is Going Green. Green feels substantial. Green is the color of money...

Yellow - Happy and upbeat. The color of sunshine. Do you need to be more optimistic? Try wearing yellow. Hope for a brighter day.

Orange - Stimulating. If you're feeling under the weather think Vitamin C. Need a boost? Drink Orange Juice. Take it a step further and try wearing some orange to invigorate your soul.

Blue - Calming and Soothing. The color of the sky and the ocean. Did you know that Blue is most often chosen as a "favorite" color? If you know you are going to have a busy, stressful day try wearing something blue to help promote relaxation.

White - Peace and purity. The bride wears white. Love birds are white. White can be a great choice -- but keep the background darker in order to flatter your figure and not inflate it. White teamed with black can be a stunning choice.

Black - Provokes mystery. Black is dramatic. Often thought of as depressing, however, it doesn't have to be. Black is a staple in our wardrobe and when we wear black it's extremely slimming! Black goes with everything. Just don't let black go stale. Add punches of color.

You may not want to put on a Pink or an Orange dress but add color to your wardrobe with accessories, shoes and handbags.

When you think about color think about your jewelry. Pull your total look together with Silver, Gold and Copper jewelry. Metals will add pizzazz to your wardrobe and your mood! Jewelry just makes you feel good. Purchasing a piece of jewelry is a passionate response. Create your mood and generate some energy with COLOR!