So what is "Taylor's Take" exactly you may ask?
"Taylor's Take" is a weekly post devoted to Art and Jewelry at Spectrum that I am tempted to take home with me! It's a chance for me to tell you why I love certain pieces and to share some knowledge about gemstones, fashion, art and more. I'm sharing my "take" on items with you in hope that we can take a few moments each week to drool over art together and learn a few things along the way!
This week I am focusing on a new Starsong necklace that Nancy just made! It's a vibrant mix of colored Sapphires and Spessartite Garnets. You can see me wearing it to the right with a hand-painted silk scarf by Kristin Gibson!
I chose this necklace because of it's color. The 2012 color of the year is Tangerine Tango, a beautiful orange hue that marries the vivaciousness of red with the friendliness of yellow. Spessartite Garnets are a perfect gemstone to achieve a look incorporating Tangerine Tango. There is a Spessartite found in Nambia that produces a rich and tangy orange color that has come to be known as "mandarin" garnet (we have some stunning ones at Spectrum). Not all garnets are found in this warm, glowing, orangy hue. Garnets are found in variations of almost every color. To read more about Garnets you can check out my blog post January Birthstone: Garnet. There are many other gemstones that can be used to achieve this tangerine look: Carnelian, Citrine, Tourmaline, Sapphire, Fire Opal and more.
This mix of fancy pink, orange and yellow sapphires adds dazzling sparkle to the Spessartite Garnet stations. The faceted vermeil accent beads tie the vermeil coin pendant into the design.
This dainty but dazzling necklace is perfect for spring and summer because of it's comfortable, lightweight feel and bright, sunny color. It can be dressed up to accent your lovely summer dresses or dressed down for everyday shorts and a tank.
So what colors should you pair with it? There is no one right answer but when considering pairing colors there are a few things to consider.
You can create a vibrant look by pairing complementary colors, especially when the colors are at their full saturation. Complementary colors are opposite each other on the color wheel (red and green, blue and orange, purple and yellow). At first glance these colors may seem like they don't go together at all, but combined well they can create a stunning outfit. But these colors schemes must be managed well so that they are not too jarring. It's best to use one as a pop of color. For example adding this necklace to a blue blouse and white pants could add a nice pop of color to a summery outfit (making the orange "pop" verses wearing blue jewelry that just blends in). 
With the invention of jeans, blue has become almost a neutral color making it one of the easiest colors to pair. When first trying to couple complementary colors it is easier to start with blue and orange until you get comfortable (verses say red and green because of it's automatic association to Christmas). (Notice I paired the necklace with a blue silk scarf in my picture.)
Another way of pairing colors is to use an analogous color scheme. These are colors that are beside each other on the color wheel. For example orange, yellow-orange and yellow. These colors are often found together in nature, they are harmonious, comfortable, serene and pleasing to the eye. Be careful to have enough contrast when pairing analogous colors or your ensemble will be too plain. Choose one of the colors as the dominant hue, the second to support and the third as an accent. Pairing this necklace and a few other orange accents with a pink dress making a yellowy-orange and pink mix would be beautiful!
So are you ready to go to your closet and start pairing new outfits for spring? I am! I look forward to helping you find the perfect accents and pops of color for your bright and beautiful new outfits!
-Taylor
I should have been born in March. It's only logical, other than the fact that I was born in December of course. I have many reasons to support my argument ranging from my love for the month of March (especially because I get so say goodbye to February which is easily my least favorite month) to my natural draw to Aquamarines.
Aquamarine is the birthstone for all of those lucky March babies out there. It is also recognized as the gift for the 18th wedding anniversary (it is thought to have a soothing influence on married couples, making it a good anniversary gift).
When I began to research Aquamarine the first thing that I learned is that its name is derived from the Latin word aqua marina, meaning seawater. Aqua is known for it's range of serene, oceanic shades. Understandably it is known as the gem of the sea. Considering that salt water runs in my veins it makes complete since that I would feel such a deep connection to Aquamarines. As Wilmington natives, beach dwellers and boat lovers you may be able to relate to my deep love for Aqua.
Legend says that it was Neptune's gift to the mermaids and it was originally found in a mermaids treasure chest. It holds the power to keep sailors safe at sea and guard against storms.
Hooked yet? Just wait...Aquamarines are also believed to reawaken love, kindle friendships and elevate the spirit. It is the gem of youthful outlook and glints the fresh, young-at-heart qualities of those who wear it. It is believed to bring hope, health, harmony and happiness.
As a Beryl, Aqua is a sister to Emerald and Morganite. The color of Aqua can range from pastel blues, to blue-greens to deep sea blues. It is routinely heated to remove yellow components. Unlike Emerald, Aquamarine is almost entirely free of inclusions. It is a 7.5 to 8 on the Mohs scale of hardness, which makes it good for all types of jewelry and everyday wear. It has wonderful shine and brilliant color. Iron is what gives it it's lovely color.
Aquamarine is a stunning gemstone for many reasons. It is absolutely my favorite gemstone! I hope that what you learned today will help you fall in love with Aquamarine as well.
We have an absolutely stunning collection of Aquamarines from loose stones to Starsong jewelry and fine designer jewelry.
Here is a sampling of what we have at Spectrum:
Symmetry SS and 18ky Ring
with rough cut Aqua
Barbara Heinrich Aqua and
Peridot Earrings in 18ky
Aqua and Tourmaline Ring in
yellow gold made at Spectrum-Taylor
If you liked the bohemian influences that we saw in 2011, you're in luck because their popularity has continued into 2012 fashion. Boho-chic draws on various Bohemian and "hippie" influences.
One of the most important elements of the boho-chic look? Accessorizing! Layered pieces, lots of bracelets, bold tribal-like necklaces...
This Starsong piece has the feel of the bib necklace and evokes the feeling of tribal plates and knife edges that are so popular in the boho-chic/ethnic styles.
