PEARLS & DIAMONDS A GIRLS BEST FRIEND

It has been said that diamonds are a girl's best friend. And then ultra sassy '20s superstar Mae West came along to point out wryly: "I have always felt a gift diamond shines so much better than one you buy for yourself." You can rest assured that many women feel the same way. There is something super special about being adorned with jewelry, especially when it comes wrapped in a gift box from your significant other! You really can't go wrong since jewelry is a favorite gift idea among women of all ages and walks of life. There are more varieties of jewelry gifts than this article can possibly cover, but hopefully some of these Christmas gift ideas will move you in the right direction as you begin your Holiday shopping but remember don't over look pre-owned vintage gold, pearl and diamond jewelry.  The quality remains constant when shopping for fine jewelry and the price difference between retail and pre-owned estate can be quite substantial in many cases.



Pearl Jewelry Gift Ideas

You may be shocked to find out that pearls come in more varieties than you ever imagined! Here is just a sampling of the different kinds of pearls:

* Akoya Pearls: These are probably your most popular type of pearl. They come in various natural colors from the white to light pink. Price points vary greatly, whether you're going for a single strand of pearls or you're shopping for top-of-the line Mikimoto pearls which boasts the finest quality of Japanese Akoya pearls that money can buy today's shopper has a variety of styles to choose from.  If your heart is set on a strand of classic Mikimoto pearls but feel they a bit pricey for your budget at this time,  the Blue Lagoon line produced by Mikimoto may offer you an alternative option.

* South Sea Pearls: South Sea pearls are naturally found in areas surrounding the Indian and Pacific Oceans, including Indonesia and the Phillippines. You can find a wide range of pearl colors, including milky white and pink, but one of the highly sought after colors is the Golden South Sea Pearl.


* Tahitian Black Pearls: Black pearls are often seem as quite exotic! This is because black pearls are highly valued and relatively rare. Or at least this was the case before pearls were raised and cultured on farms. Still indeed, the natural black pearl retains its reputation for its one-of-a-kind beauty.

If you're considering pearl jewelry as a gift, you can choose from something as traditional as the single strand princess length pearls or a lovely pair of earrings that would coordinate with the pearls she already owns. A classic pearl bracelet or pendant is also a wonerful alternative. Continuing to popular this season is the vintage cocktail or dinner ring.  There are many styles available from pearl cluster rings to fancy pearl and diamond accent rings. 

Diamond Jewelry Gift Ideas

Will she be pleased to receive some diamond jewelry from Santa? You can bet your bottom dollar she will! While you don't have to pull out all the stops and start shopping for an diamond engagement unless you are going to pop the question over the holidays, you can find some great gifts with diamond accents in our shop. Consider some of these ideas:

* Diamond Accent Jewelry
* Tennis Bracelets
* Diamond Stud Earrings

Visit our shop at: http://www.melange-art.com

Items displayed in this article are available to purchase.  

Edited Source Article:  http://www.articlealley.com

NO CYBER MONDAY BLUES

Cyber Monday is when people's sanity is reinstated. It's a day when one becomes smarter at shopping.  Black Friday's past, it's time to take a deep breathe,  put your feet up, grab the mouse and begin clicking away.  Your shoes are off,  the car is in the garage, and all is well with the world at that precise moment.   Cyber Monday is a "good thing," a commercial fact that even Martha Stewart would agree upon.  It's a great opportunity to explore, compare and peruse your favorite web stores for unique gifts and collectible, all in the comfort of home or office (lunch  
time, of course, ladies).  It's a quiet time without the kids or family members that are influences to lead you astray from your goals.


Vintage jewelry, handbags and accessories continues to be the "hot" or "in" gift selection for this holiday.  Not only because it's fashionably chic, but because these items reflect the beauty of times past, an era of glamor, periods of struggles and historical reflections, and memories for all of us.  Looking in the past gives us hope for the future. Vintage gifts are heart gifts with a story to tell.   


Cyber shopping offers many benefits.  The first, and most important benefit of purchasing holiday gifts on line, is the huge financial advantage one receives.  This is especially true if you are purchasing more than one item within one shop or selecting a few favorites.   Free shipping, gift wrapping, deep discounting and no sales tax, can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings, and even if you are purchasing big ticket items the savings can equal a thousand or more;  an important factor to most families with today's struggling economy.


Okay, I agree that for the first couple of hours it is fun to be out there among the masses;  although, I have never curled up with my sleeping bag waiting for my favorite shop to open its doors and I confess, I never will. Although the excitement can be contagious for some, it scary for me.  The euphoric mood of a  Black Friday's marathon seeker looking for the best buy can quickly wane into utter frustration and weariness.  Within 24-hours sanity sets in with the frightening thought of 28 more days of crowded parking lots and standing in long lines to buy often just one item, which is repeated over and over again as one goes to the men's, children and book departments, leading to a future of unending lines and cash registers stealing valuable time.  It doesn't take long to realize that sipping a favorite cup of tea while searching for a handbag is the sane, intelligent way to shop on any given day of the year.


I am eternally grateful for having so many wonderful customers who have chosen to shop with us year after year.  We're proud to have developed a warm and friendly cyber relationship with  customers around the globe, and we share a bond of trust.  If you are a first time visitor, we welcome you and want you to feel safe shopping with us at Melange-Art.  It is our promise that your personal information will never to sold or shared with a third party, along with a guarantee that all our items are authentic, as described, and owned by us or consigned. All photographs are original and are actual pictures of items listed for sale an not copied or reproduced.


Happy holidays one and all and many blessings for the New Year.  


Linda Sweeney




Visit our shop below:  Where luxury become accessible.
http://www.melange-art.com


GERFER & MOR
DESIGNER JEWELS:  TIFFANY, CHANEL, LACROIX,


LAGERFELD AND MORE

Tiffany Wave Tiffany & Co sophistication: Ladies, this is a breathtaking heavy gauge sterling silver modernist wave cuff bracelet that is like no other List Price: $645.00 Sale Price: $515.00

Chanel Logo Authentic 1993 Chanel classic 18 karat Gold Plate Logo Earrings. Description: Classic Coco CHANEL large "ingot" style black enamel earrings List Price:  $325.00 Sale Price: $260.00 Ugo Correani Sensationa ornate Byzantine stylel Jumbo Glass Bead Ugo Correani Vintage Necklace from the late 70's.  Designer highly collectible List Price: $495.00 Sale Price: $395.00 Tiffany Set Tiffany & Co. Modernist Sterling Silver Neck Collar. Retired collection.  Matching bracelet makes this a tempting holiday buy for all seasons. Wear as set or separately. List Price:  $725.00 Sale Price: $580.00 Valentino Glamor Sheer elegance for nightime glamor. Valentino 10 kt gold plated Baroque simulated pearl dangle earrings with a caged blue-green glass stone List Price: $375.00 Sale Price: $300.00 Gerard Yosca The glamor of star-studded Hollywood. Gerard Ysca  vintage collection From the 80's hot, hot those that love diva glamor. The chunky size crystal resin baubles feature multi-colored jewel List Price: $250.00 Sale Price: $200.00 Gerda Lynggard Magnificent  three Piece Set Avant Garde Black White artistry by Gerta Lynggaard Denmark bakelite  resin necklace ensemble. List Price: $395.00 Sale Price: $315.0 18kt Gold Hoops European 18 karat gold hoop earrings. These earrings were made in the 40's and converted into pierced earrings. Hallmarked. 750 (European standard 18 karat gold                    Our Price: $750.00 List Price: $600.00 650 MORE ITEMS ON SALE IN OUR SHOP The holiday sales items shown above are just a small portion of our inventory that has been reduced. We have close to 400 items in our jewelry inventory alone so if you do not see something here please visit our shop by clicking on the link below.   Our entire inventory of silver, glass, art, collectible, handbags, accessories, jewelry, watches etc will be discounted 20% at time of your order along with free shipping within United States. http://www.melange-art.com

MELANGE-ART GIFTS TO PAMPER

   

WAYS TO FEEL PAMPERED THROUGH OUT THE COMING YEAR

Enjoy a bit of holiday eye candy this season at great prices.  We are offering a 20% discount off of our entire shop inventory. 

Sale price will be changed upon receipt of Your purchase order and a corrected invoice will be forwarded back for payment.  Payment choices are via pay pal using your credit card or you can call us directly 520-825-4005 Tucson, AZ if you prefer to use your card off-line using our shop's physical machine.   We are also offering lay-a-ways beyond the holidays for those luxury purchases if need be. 

CELEBRATE THE NEW YEAR US AS WE BEGIN OUR 6TH YEAR ON LINE. A HEARTFELT THANK YOU FOR MAKING THIS POSSIBLE.



EMBROIDERED JAPANESE WEDDING KIMONO / WALL ART     

Fabulous Japanese Red Silk lined Uchikake Ceremonial Robe with white ground. Vintage Circa Late 1980's kimono with dramatic red and gold swooping embroidered cranes, pine trees and elaborate Sagara embroidered Peonies. Peonies flower gained prominence in Japanese scrolling patterns, especially those used in brocades. Like the Chinese, the Japanese considered the peony to be the "king of flowers" and therefore used it as a popular motif in textile design regardless of season. The vibrant red silk lining with heavy rolled padded hem. Cranes symbolize soaring spirits, health and happiness. Cranes are held in high esteem. For the bride and groom cranes are also symbolic of longevity and prosperity.   List Price:  $900.00    Sale Price: $720.00



Mary McFadden Mink Jacket

COUTURE FUR:  Estate opportunity to purchase a designer brown mink fur coat by design house, Mary McFadden Couture furs at a fraction of its original cost. The fur is in exceptional condition and appears to be worn just a few times. Size: 8-10. This is a short jacket style that is perfect for today's modern fashion styles. Wear with pants, short skirts, or as a suit jacket. Mary McFadden couture label guarantees this to be made of finest female mink for shear luxury and softness.  List Price: $800.00   Sale Price: $640.00

       Dynasty Cocktail Dress

 Vintage " DYNASTY" style exquisite hand-beaded Designer Cocktail dress by  SWEELO a high-end clothier and designed who produced high end quality evening wear that could be affordably produced in India and sold to exclusive stores like Bonwit Teller and Saks, Lord & Taylor. Silk Chiffon hand-beaded evening sheath with full polyester satin lining.  List Price: $100.00  Sale Price: $80.00

DESIGNER HANDBAGS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

Ruched Silk Elegance

Bloomingdale's designer sensation. Pure elegance for all occasions.. Gorgeous steel grey ruched silk evening bag perfect for the upcoming holiday parties.
                 
Our Price: $150.00
List Price: $120.00

Christian Lacroix Pony

Christian Lacroix Pony Furia Handbag Tote is NWOT and stunning. Christian Lacroix designed a limited series of special items for Pour Laredoute with his signature label. His "furia" collection

Our Price: $275.00
List Price: $220.00

Christian Lacroix

Gorgeous Christian Lacroix vintage Black lamb skin "Pagoda" purse. The hardware on his hand bags are magnificent and very much part of his signature line.

List Price: $850.00
Sale Price: $680.00

Lalique Pearlized Clutch

Luxurious pearlized burgundy color
leather clutch style handbag. Brilliant Lalique crystal gem adorns one side of gold-plate modernist handle.

List Price: $550.00
Sale Price: $440.00

IT'S ALL ABOUT TIME:  CARTIER, TIFFANY & RAYMOND WEIL 

Tiffany Baume Mercer

Exquisite Ladies 14 karat
yellow gold  17-jewel mechanical movement dress watch by Baume & Mercier for Tiffany & Co.

List Price:  $4900.00
Sale Price: $3920.00



 

Cartier Santos

Ladies vintage automatic stainless and 18 karat gold plate bezel face with gold accent screws. Deployment style bracelet.

List Price: $2850.00
Sale Price: $2280.00

  

Ladies Raymond Weil

Stunning NOS (New Old Stock) 1990's Ladies diamond 18-kt Gold Plate Link woven bracelet watch. Classical style perfect for day or evening wear.

List Price: $700.00
Sale Price: $560.00


 


650 MORE ITEMS ON SALE IN OUR SHOP

The holiday sales items shown above are just a small portion of our inventory that has been reduced. We have close to 400 items in our jewelry inventory alone so if you do not see something here please visit our shop by clicking on the link below.   


VISIT OUR SHOP BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.



Happy Holidays. 

Linda Sweeney




http://www.melange-art.com

 

EYE CANDY BEAUTIFUL

Gerard Yocsa

Follow us this season on our calorie free journey of the latest eye candy accessories that’s slim on the hips, great for the neckline, and deliciously appetizing to others.   Imagine dressing in style with little effort, and more importantly, without spending thousands to constantly update your wardrobe each season.  How many of us already own that fabulous garment which has been unkindly tossed into the far recess of a closet never to be seen again?  Whether the garment was discarded due to over wear and sheer boredom or, heavens, we made a purchase on a day when the fashion police weren't  around to stop us, we’ve  hated it from day one.  Sounds all too familiar, doesn’t it?

Versace

For years we’ve been told over and over again that “classic clothes never go out of style.”  In my opinion, this statement is not totally true.  Using today’s vernacular, one’s wardrobe might need a fashion face lift.  With the economic downturn and less money to toss aside and buy new it takes a bit of creativity to add new life to a few tired favorites.  No surgery is needed ladies. Learn to accessorize.  What is needed for that fashion uplift you may already own?  It is wise to purchase each season a few select pieces and continually add to your collection. Designer accessories are not inexpensive and looking for discount sales is important.  However, in the long run, because of the high quality and workmanship of these signature pieces, these items can become good investments and collectibles at the same time that you are enjoying wearing them.  Example, Versace, Christian Dior, Lagerfeld  belts, Tiffany, Cartier, Hermes and Picasso scarves.  Judith Leiber, Kenneth Jay Lane and Lalique handbags are wonderful additions that will guarantee you will always be in style.   

Paloma Picasso

                                                                

Chanel

                  














Throughout the centuries, the fashion chic inherently understood the basic principles of dress. State of the economy and mood of the people dictated style of the day.  The relaxed mood of the 60’s with the Beatles, mini skirts and First Lady Jacqueline  Kennedy created an easier style of dress that was both comfortable and elegant in design.  A string of pearls over a simple a-line dress became an American icon.  On the other hand one of the most important designers of the 20th century was French born Coco Chanel whose modernist philosophy, mens-wear inspired fashions, and pursuit of expensive simplicity made her among the top 100 designers throughout the world. Coco Chanel is famous for her flamboyant use of accessories by combining faux pearls, gold-plated chains and colorful gripoix glass stones. Chanel was certainly a diva of her time possessing a keen natural fashion sensibility that remains unparalleled.  The name  of Coco Chanel is synonymous with elegance, class and good taste.

Gerard Yosca

Collecting and wearing vintage costume jewelry and designer clothing continues to be a passion on a global scale.  The demand for designer luxury goods has never been hotter and consumers must become astute when purchasing these goods because of the huge illegal black market in the U.S. which markets fake luxury designer goods.  Know who you are purchasing from and ask questions.  Authentic  designer jewelry, Earrings, handbags, scarves, etc., remain fashion stables and affordable. This all became possible in the early1960’s when several European designers departed from their couture private line to market porte-à-porte and the public's demand appears eternal

Karl Lagerfeld

Karl Lagerfeld

From the time of the Pharaohs, jewelry often was lavish. The Egyptian women adorned their arms with slithering snake arm cuffs and bracelets studded with natural gemstones. The Greeks and Romans embellished their necklines in gold and beaded bib necklaces and crescent shaped collars. The emergence of Christianity influenced the Medieval Era followed by the birth of the Renaissance and Baroque period lead generations to follow and be inspired by this rich fashion legacy.  Post war period mid 40’s and early 50’s saw the emergence of European  designers who drew this wealth of glitter & gold.. The history of fashion and design clearly reflects that, throughout the centuries, women have loved ornamentation and dressing to feeling beautiful.   Apparently this desire for beauty must be an inherited trait and part of a women’s DNA.  I call it a fashion gene. I realize that this gene remains undiscovered by scientific community and completely misunderstood by men.  However, just ask a women, why she bought something and she would usually reply,  "because it made me feel beautiful."

Lalique Paris

Cartier Santos
                          

Season's Greetings To All.

The holiday season is a time of love, birth and family.  Let’s celebrate by being beautiful in spirit to one another throughout the coming year.

Thank You for helping to make Melange-Art a success over the past 5 years.  We could not have done it without your support.   

Linda Sweeney

Melange-Art

http://www.melange-art.com

Take an additional 20% off all jewelry including Tiffany and Cartier watches staring Nov. 25th through Dec. 15th. Just mention that you received this holiday mailing via Twitter,  eBlog or the Newsletter when you place your order or call us.    

Note: Adjustment wil be made after order has been placed and submitted.  We will follow-up within 24 hours with a corrected invoice ready for payment that reflects the new sale price.