What jewelry is appropriate to give at which stage of a relationship?

Hm...sounds more like a trick question. It is true that normally guys only give girls jewelry if they really like a girl. Yes, you can quote me on that. For the newbies in the gifting scene, what type of jewelry should you get for your beloved?

First gift

Usually for first gift, I would recommend bracelets.

It is the type of jewelry that does not require an intimate knowledge of a girl - like ring sizes, if they have ear piercing or not. Also, subconsciously where the jewelry sits on a girl's body is symbolic to a boyfriend's caress. So necklace in a way is more intimate than a bracelet. A bracelet is a nice first jewelry gift that does not carry too much of...say an "expectation."

Early stage

Earrings are usually a pretty good choice. Earrings are usually easier for both the gifter and the receiver. A small pair of studs usually is a staple in a girl's jewelry box. Even if the girl does not usually wear simple studs, she can still wear it without affecting her style too much. And she can always find an occasion that calls for it. If you don't know what your girl likes to wear yet, stay with something metal or a simple gemstone set one (in a color that she likes) and don't go for anything too specific like pearls.

Steady stage

So the guy loves his girl but doesn't want to commit to the big M word yet. What should he give? Now is the time to get a necklace. A meaningful one is called for. Get one that would complement the girlfriend's style. It is the understanding of what she loves that makes the necklace a good gift, not how much you spend. But if you are hopelessly clueless about fashion, go for a nice one - if not a diamond, a precious gemstone necklace, or one that carries the meaning of love.

She is yours

It's time for the ring! Take a ring from her jewelry box and get it to a jeweler to find out what her size is. Or if that's not possible, try using a thin stripe of paper to measure the inside of her ring, input the length using this convertor to see what her size is. Do note that different fingers are different in size. To be safe, pick the middle finger. In winter if her fingers shrink in size in the cold temperature, she can move it to her ring finger and still be able to wear it easily. And it is easier to size up a ring then sizing down.

If this is your first ring for her, and that you don't plan on proposing anytime soon, stay away from a ring with diamond or white crystal/gemstone. See what necklaces and earrings she wears and pick a complimentary ring. Don't look for another ring she has and buy something too similar. But do use her rings as a style gauge. E.g., if she likes statement rings or simple everyday rings, with gemstone or not...etc.


Happy Valentine's Day!

Special Valentine's Day Promotion - Week 3

This is the 3rd week into my Special Valentine's Day Promotion. Introducing yet another limited edition from the Rose Collection at my Etsy store,
The Long Stem Rose Earrings.

A stem of 3 roses, a tiny leaf and a single thorn create a beautiful romantic story of love. This delicate pair of dangle earrings is hand sculpted by myself. The stem of roses swings with your movement, measures about 2.5" in length, and is made with sterling silver posts. Comes in sterling silver, or brass gold plated in 14K yellow gold or rose gold.

Normally only available at trunk shows and at boutiques, it is now brought to my Etsy store only in the month of February in celebration of Valentine's Day, and at a discounted price.  It is the ultimate gift for your beloved, and a unique adornment for your lovely self.

Visit my store for more romantic stories made of roses.

Special Valentine's Day promotion - Week 2

Week 2 update of the Special Valentine's Day Rose Collection on my Etsy store is here.  This week I'm introducing the pretty Rose Collar Bib Necklace to my Etsy store. It is especially created for my Etsy customers. Made in brass, available in basic gold finish and an unique pinkish gold oxidized version, this necklace radiates romance and is versatile for all occasions.

During the month of February, I am bringing some special pieces from my Rose Collection that are usually NOT available anywhere except for trunk shows and at selected retail stores, to my Etsy store customized or at a discounted price. These are usually specially designed or produced in small quantity only. Now you can get them directly from me to you, or to your loved ones. 

Come back later to see more rose d'amour in my store.

Special Valentine's Day promotion - Week 1

During the month of love, I am introducing special pieces from my Rose Collection that are usually NOT available anywhere except for trunk shows and at selected retail stores, and bringing them to my Etsy store at a discounted price. These are usually specially designed or produced in small quantity only. Now you can get them directly from me to you, or to your loved ones. So get it before they are gone here.

This week you can find the 3 Roses and Chain Statement Earrings at my Etsy store, available until end of Feb. It comes in sterling silver and 2 other plated versions. But only the silver version and an affordable brass version will be available for this Valentine's Day promotion. Come back later to see the  brass version with unique tint of gold and lovely pink.

The happenings at Harlequin&Lionhead this Dec!

I have waited until Thanksgiving is over to talk about Christmas and I just cannot wait anymore! Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. It is not only the festive decoration, the numerous wrapping (I love gift wrappings!) and presents, but the spirit of giving, and celebration with the beloved. This year, my mother will be here with me and some of you may get to see her in my coming trunk shows. Here is a load down where you can find Harlequin&Lionhead in person!

1) Krrb Home for the Holidays Pop-Up Production

Krrb.com is made uniquely for local and in-person commerce. They bring you an online environment where you can find what you are looking for right in your neighborhood, made and sold by local businesses. 

From November 29 to December 20, at their Brooklyn headquarter, they will be hosting a pop-up trunk show featuring various local goods from designers and makers in NY. Harlequin&Lionhead rings and earrings will be available for purchase at their show. I'll post more info next week about it. Go check it out! 

2) Urban Alchemist Design Collective

Yes, I will be back at the store with all the other amazing US designer goods! Harlequin&Lionhead will be available for purchase at this lovely boutique, located in Brooklyn Park Slope. And I will be there various days in December. Find out more when I will be there on my facebook page!

3) Brooklyn Trunk Shows

A small quantity of my rings and earrings will be available at the Bunnies Can Dream table on sale. Below are the locations and more info. I will be personally there with many local artists and talents. So come say hi!

South Slope Holiday Craft Fair is hosted by PS10. All proceeds will benefit the school. 

PS 10 in Park Slope, Brooklyn 

511 Seventh Avenue between Prospect Avenue and 17th Street

Dec 15, 11am-5pm

Brooklyn Craft Central Holiday Market 2012 is an extended version of the famously exciting holiday market in Brooklyn. This year it will be 2 weekends, Dec 15/16 and Dec 22/23. Each week there will be different vendors. 

Harlequin&Lionhead will only be there on Dec 16. 11am-5pm

Littlefield, Park Slope Brooklyn

622 Degraw Street, New York, NY

Want to save a bit on your X'mas shopping? Make sure to sign up for my mailing list and get 10% off your first purchase! An early happy holiday to you!

Femininity and The Collar

There is no denying that this winter season is all about bringing out your feminine side. The words that may come to mind are dainty, sweet, ladylike, soft, and delicate. Designers such as Jill Sander and Isabel Marant (both shown above), featured beautiful pieces that fit the feminine vibe to a T. Lovely dresses that were light and airy fluttered down the runway which were perfectly fitting for the other big trend on the horizon: the collar trend. With the huge collar trend on the radar we have seen many different adornments to the “typical” collar. From button down shirts featuring studs, to necklace collars made of chains, to hammered metal, and the like. However, to stay on trend with the femininity there is something else to set your eyes on, and that is the newest addition to Harlequin&Lionhead’s Rose Collection, the Rose Bib Necklace. The Rose Bib Necklace brings out a girl's feminine side and allows it to fit nicely into the "trendy"and delicate way of dressing this season.

The Rose Bib Necklace stays true to the rest of the Rose Collection and makes a lovely addition to the range. Celebrating beauty and a woman’s feminine nature, the abstract sculpting of each flower presents a beautiful impression of the fragile nature of the rose, as well as the core focus of femininity in this current trend. 

For more of the lovely pieces found in the Rose Collection visit Harlequin&Lionhead homepage here! http://harlequinlionhead.com