Jute jewelry: The eco-friendly summer fashion accessories

Scorching heat, constant sweating and utter discomfort are all part 'n parcel of Indian summers. It is difficult to stay fit during this time of the year, let alone keeping up with the latest fashion trends. It seems like a real difficult task, when it comes to dressing up in a stylish way, as our bodies, minds and clothing tend to wander to the outdoor mode. Most of us are torn between the choices as to which factor to prioritize – comfort or style. And while picking the right option we often get confused and go wrong with the entire thing. Result - unsynchronized outfit and fashion accessories that heighten the discomfort of summer.
So, how to go about it? How to beat the summer heat in a fashionable way? - Just use a bit of creative intelligence, and you can easily transform your summer attire into cool outdoor chic. Comfy outfits made from natural fibers such as cotton, hemp and jute make great summer wearables. Same goes for jewelry and fashion accessories. Jewelry made from jute fibers not only makes a smart eco-friendly fashion treatment, but also makes summer bearable and fashionable at the same time.
Jute jewelry like other handcrafted jewelry comes in various forms. Necklaces, earrings, bracelets, anklets, rings- you name it, and there is a beautiful jute jewelry item for each category. Some jewelry items also feature beads made from glass, stone, wood and shells, which are skilfully stitched to the twine base. Here are some fascinating jute jewelries ... see which one of these fits your idea of summer fashion accessory.

Filigree jewelry: The wonder art in silver

Filigree jewelry is a wonderful type of traditional Indian jewelry. Though, historically, it is said to be associated with the jewelry making art of the European countries like Egypt, Italy, and Spain, it was in India that the art took a flourishing form. Done on silver, filigree work primarily involves lots of precision and technicality, added with great amount of patience and an eye for minute details.
Indian filigree work is unique and class apart in its genre and aesthetics, and is immensely inspired by Greek filigree work. The same style and old charm has been kept intact till now, by the skilled Indian artisans.

If you see regionwise, filigree work in India has variation according to the places too. While Orissa, where it is popularly known as 'Tarkashi', specializes in heavy jewelry, Karim Nagar is known for its complex designs and refined approach and precision. Here are some gorgeous jewelry pieces in silver filigree. See if they catch your fantasy:

Coral jewelry lovers- give this a thought

Coral jewelry is loved by zillions of jewelry lovers all across the world because of its rich color and ethereal appeal. It enwraps within it the mysticism of the ocean world, which makes it even more appealing. But very few of us know that corals, the calcified skeletons of sea creatures, from which this jewelry type is made, is fast disappearing from the nature, especially the red and the pink varieties.

It was expected by nature lovers and conservationists all over the world that the United Nations would mark these marine species as protected. But in the recently ended Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), the proposal was turned down - a consequence thought be led by the lobbying from different countries with flourishing coral industries. Now, it is only up to jewelry, fashion and home-decor designers to pledge to not use real coral in their work. There are many alternatives of this natural ingredient. Use them to show your conscientious self, because one who wears fake is a REAL human being.

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Jewelry for a perfect summer date

Dressing up for a summer evening out? Try out these jewelry styling ideas. Nothing works better as a summer evening outfit than a stylish pair of capris and a trendy top. While spaghetti and halter-neck tops make you look sensuous, for an extra bit of shimmer you can pair up the capris with a subtly sequined top. Shorts and miniskirts are even better for adding to the oomph factor. But how to accessorize this outfit? Go in for large hoop earrings if you have an ovalish face. It lends your face a fuller look. But if you already have a round face, go in for drop earrings or pretty danglers. You can clip your hair up with a gorgeous hair clip or pin, but since, summer evenings are breezier compared to the daytime, you can easily leave your hair open.

Coming to wristwear, chunky bracelets or beaded bracelets always look cool with western wears. Or you can even stack in four or five colored handcrafted bangles to give your outfit a dramatic appeal.

Now, for the legs ... do not forget to tie around a chic anklet up above your stilettos. They help draw eyeballs towards your beautifully pedicured feet.

And did you say necklace? Yes, I haven't forgot about it either. Whatever you wear, a beaded piece or a shell necklace or something in sterling silver, just remember to keep it bosom-length. That not only makes your bare neck look more sensuous, but also lets you feel much more comfortable.

It's makeover time for vintage jewelry

There goes a saying- a woman's old missing earring is another woman's new and fabulous necklace. This turned into reality when members of San Francisco State's Fashion Network Association (FNA) took up the job of revamping more than fifteen pounds of vintage jewelry pieces that were otherwise taken for scrap (from the usage point of view of course). These include tangled necklaces, unpaired earrings and other unwanted jewelry that FNA members have been collecting from students and staff members, as well as thrift stores and local boutiques for the past three weeks. Now they have come up with a fascinating collection of modern and avant-garde pieces, which is going to be showcased in their Re-Designed Jewelry Show meant for benefiting the Apparel Design and Merchandising's (ADM) annual spring fashion show, Runway 2010: Nouvelle.

Here are some equally enchanting re-worked vintage jewelry pieces that you would love to add to your collection.

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