storage: jewelry favorites

IMG_1345I like to keep my frequently worn jewelry on little plates or salvers on my dresser, readily accessible and just as easily deposited at the end of the day. I mean daily or weekly favored pieces, which I cannot be bothered (and often do not wish) to put in a box or drawer.

I may have a few little trays going, one by the bed, one on the dresser – anyplace I find I would otherwise leave a pile. The selection of featured jewelry varies with my mood, what I aspire to wear, what I habitually wear*, and any number of mysterious factors. The plates, too, get switched out according to my whims, as any little tray or plate-like thing (saucers and more elaborate coasters can work well) will do. I find I like them to have a balance of plainness, such that the jewelry can be quickly discerned and picked out, and luxury, such that they are in themselves objects of beauty, but they may be any material,** and a range of sizes can serve.

*and other little items sneak in; safety pins, perfume vials, rogue buttons

**I’ve been absently browsing for a rectangular stainless steel tray to serve the purpose, as I like that look. Nothing strikes my fancy yet, though.

IMG_1344Here’s the plate of the hour, a beautifully glazed ceramic appetizer plate. In my eyes it was destined from the start to be a jewelry repository. I’m always wondering what other strategies people employ for such tasks. How are you solving the question of what to do with frequently used jewelry? Are you dutifully putting them away in their rightful places? For me that is so unrealistic as to be inconceivable.

the cherry Tahitian

Pearls of Joy provided this necklace for review.

Pearls of Joy hoped to see how I would style a new necklace they are offering; a stunning cherry Tahitian pearl on a delicate gold chain. I was more than happy to oblige.

IMG_7015The pearl shows purple-red in the center and peacock teal at the edges. It is beautifully round and unblemished with a size range of 9-10mm (the piece shown measures in at 9mm). As with all high quality pearls, it looks even better in person.

There are only a limited quantity, so investigate now if it catches your eye. On sale at the moment, too ($145): cherry Tahitian solitaire pendant.

The piece is very versatile to my eye. Simple enough to be the kind of necklace you could wear every day, quietly adapting itself to every style and context, luxurious enough to wear when things get fancy. This strikes me as having a professional elegance, and I immediately wanted to pair it with silk and a pencil skirt.

IMG_6856And heels.

IMG_6879Silk is such a great partner for pearls, it has that same luxurious glow. I essentially wanted the simplest, most casual form of a professional uniform (in grayscale) and a bright cherry lip. Like the necklace, the silhouette is eloquent yet unobtrusive.

In person the cherry color shows at a greater distance than on camera. The requisite neck shot:

IMG_6850The gauge of the chain is in very nice proportion to the pearl, and the chain itself very fine.

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IMG_6962There is a pattern developing where I think I look a lot better in blurry pictures…or somehow the pictures look more interesting.

IMG_6920Seriously, this was my favorite shot of the day.

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Black silk camisole from Fondue (thrifted), American Apparel interlock pencil skirt, Cole Haan pumps (thrifted), necklace from Pearls of Joy, earrings from Michel Michaud, vintage Timex watch. On the lips: Tom Ford lipstick in Narcotic Rouge.

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p.s. Speaking of pearls, I’m giving away a gorgeous pair of freshwater studs this week. Giveaway open through Sunday. Details on how to enter here.