accessories-pedia

Valentine's Day is a romantic occasion for both men and women. So why is it that men have always gotten short-changed when it comes to special gifts, especially jewelry? We think the time has come to honor the men in our lives.

Luxist asked David Yurman, creator of elegant jewelry (and the genius behind the iconic cable bracelet), to suggest a few pieces from his extensive men's collection, all of which would make wonderful gifts on Valentine's Day, in addition to any other special occasion.

"I've always felt that jewelry is one of the most personal and emotional gifts you can give your loved one," says designer David Yurman. "Perhaps one of the first pieces I created was a gift for my then girlfriend, now wife and muse Sybil, over thirty years ago. For this Valentine's Day I have designed a unique assortment for men that embody the spirit of the holiday."

If a bracelet is what you are looking for, Yurman offers a unique sterling silver and 18K yellow gold curb chain, which is part of the Exotic Stone Collection. The bracelet is available in a variety of stones, from black onyx ($1,800) to malachite ($2,100) and lapis ($2,500), which can be seen in the gallery below. The bracelets are 6 1/2" in length. The Rubber Weave Bracelet comes in gray, brown and blue, and retails for $295. From the Naturals Collection, the bracelet has a sterling silver sea urchin-texture clasp on a braided rubber bracelet. The bracelets are 8" in length and 8 mm in width.

Lightweight and lustrous, it's easy to see why silk is the fabric of choice for shirts, sheets, dresses, and many other luxury garments and home items. As is the case with many high end fabrics, such as suede, silk requires a fair amount of care whether you are wearing, sleeping in, or storing it. That said, keep these tips in mind when using, cleaning, or storing your garments, bedding, or other luxury silk items:

Silk can be easily damaged by . . .

Chemical and alcohol based products: Hair sprays, nail polish remover, perfume, aerosol deodorants, etc. can all stain your silk items beyond repair. Silk is a very absorbent fiber and as such, will absorb even the finest mist from personal care products with ease. If you must use alcohol or chemical based products, do your best to not let them come into contact with your silk items (i.e. put your products on before dressing, or place a cover over your silk garment when using such products while dressed.)

Sunlight: Like a fine painting on canvas, silk is prone to damage from constant sunlight. Too much sunlight will easily fade and/or yellow even the best silk. As such, you may want to hold off wearing your best silk shirt until the evening, if possible.

Perspiration and deodorants, especially when combined, are also dangerous to silk fibers. The combination of moisture in perspiration and chemicals in deodorants (particularly Aluminum

Love Silk? Follow These Easy Steps to Enjoy your Silk Garments for Years.

Silk is made from the secretions of silkworms and was first discovered in China thousands of years ago. The Chinese kept the secret of silk to themselves until the 13th century. Silk has always been a luxurious fabric, but it does require special care. Though it is a strong fabric it is sensitive to light, to chemicals such as hairspray and bodily fluids such as perspiration.
Though silk is used most often for clothing it is also used for other purposes such as curtains and bed linens. The following tips apply to all types of silk items, though some of the risk of staining won't apply to household linens.

To protect silk clothing always use any chemicals such as hairspray or perfume before getting dressed and allow these substances to dry thoroughly. Never use nail polish or nail polish remover while wearing a silk garment, because any spills will cause a permanent stain.

If your silk garment gets stained in spite of all your precautions there are steps you can take before turning to your local dry cleaner. The treatment depends on the stain. Fresh perspiration stains can be removed by washing the garment. For older stains you'll need to sponge the area with diluted vinegar. For more stubborn discolorations, use a mixture of cream of tartar, crushed aspirin, and warm water. Apply to the stain for twenty minutes, and then rinse with warm water. Of course if the item is dry-clean only you really have no choice but to spend the money.

Keeping your gold jewelry clean is relatively simple, and can easily and efficiently be done at home. While gold jewelry will not tarnish like other metals, it can still accumulate dirt and grime, become dull and lose its shine. To keep your gold jewelry looking good as new, follow these simple tips to bring back its luster and shine.

Soap and Water
Believe it or not, you can clean gold with soap and water, but it works best on gold pieces that are plain and free of other gemstones (such as a plain gold necklace or simple ring.) To clean your gold with soap and water, fill a small bowl with warm - not hot - water and a few drops of a mild dish soap. Place your jewelry in the soap and water mixture, and allow the pieces to soak for about 20 minutes. After soaking, use a clean, dry cotton cloth to dry your jewelry, and allow them to sit on a towel to air dry completely before wearing them again.

This method will get rid of all the oils from beauty products and regular day-to-day wear that makes your gold jewelry dingy and lackluster, and is a very simple and quick way to bring back the beauty of your gold.

Cleaning Gold Jewelry with Gemstones
If your gold jewelry includes gemstones, you can still clean them at home without fear of damaging the stones or setting. The important thing to remember about this type of gold jewelry is to NEVER submerge them into water, as the water can become trapped in the setting, rust or discolor your setting/stones, or cause the stones to become loose and fall out over time.

Suede. A rich material which not only looks fantastic, but is fantastically "high maintenance" when it comes to keeping it looking fresh and clean. Keeping your suede garments in like new condition does require a good amount of care; however, follow these tips and you'll be able to minimize your maintenance headaches by a good amount.

Preservation starts with prevention
Keeping your suede in top condition begins with proper everyday storage and care. Start by treating your garment with a suede protection spray prior to wearing for the first time. A light coating of protectant goes a long way to protecting your garment from small amounts of moisture and stains. Be sure to test your suede protectant on the underside of your garment before apply however, as some sprays will darken/discolor your garment on contact.

The second stage of protection is proper storage. When not wearing them, be sure to keep your suede garments in a dark, dry, cool place with adequate airflow and low humidity. Light and moisture are major enemies of suede; the former fades your material, while buildup of the latter will quickly degrade it. In addition, be sure not to store your suede garment in plastic, as the lack of airflow plastic creates will trap moisture inside with you garment, and promote growth of mildew on it's surface.

Have you ever wondered what that diamond necklace that your grandmother left you would be worth if you ever wanted to sell it? We did, so we asked Chris Del Gatto, Chairman & CEO of CIRCA, the largest global buyer of fine jewelry from the public, to share some trade secrets on the true market value of jewelry.

As you can imagine, there's typically a disconnect between the public's perception of what jewelry is "worth", and the true market value of that item. True market value means the price that you would get if you were to sell the piece. This is very different from an appraisal value – what you would have to pay retail to replace an item if it were lost or stolen. What's important to realize is that when you're paying retail, you're paying for labor, marketing and the various profits made along the way.

For example, the generic yellow gold & diamond tennis bracelet that retails for $5,000, will typically cost a retailer an average of $1,800-$3,000, whereas the manufacturer's cost to make the piece would be more like $1,260 - $2,100. As someone who now owns that bracelet, and is selling it back into the marketplace, you're starting over again. You're not going to make back the profit that the manufacturer and retailer made. You also have to discount the labor that went into the piece. What you have left is the intrinsic value of the stones and the metal as your base. However, you can start adding value back if:

1) the piece is superbly designed and manufactured

2) the stone qualities are very high

3) it's a period piece, like Art Deco, Retro, etc.

4) the piece is signed by a famous maker such as Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels, Tiffany & Co, etc.

A watch is an object of exceptional complication and beauty that requires regular care to work properly. Standard maintenance includes safeguarding the movement, protecting the watch from water damage and cleaning the case and band. The following tips will help you care for and preserve your timepieces for generations to come:

How to care for watches with a manual mechanical movement
For watches with a manual (or hand-wound) mechanical movement, be sure to wind the watch once a day, at the same time of day. Be careful not to over-wind the watch. Stop winding the watch as soon as you feel resistance---this indicates the spring has reached maximum tension.

How to care for watches with an automatic movement
If you own a watch with automatic (or self-winding) mechanical movements, be sure to wind the watch once every two weeks if it is worn daily. Wind the watch twice weekly if it is not worn daily.

How to care for watches with quartz movements
If your watch has a quartz movement, you should remove worn batteries and replace them every few years, according to Eli Katz, president of Ashford.com, the leading online retailer of luxury watches. When wearing your watch, it is very important to avoid equipment that create a strong magnetic field, such as speakers, mobile phones and metal detectors. Extreme temperature changes and humid environments, such as showers, hot tubs and saunas, can be harmful for your watch. Damage can also be caused by violent shocks such as dropping the watch as well as activities that require repetitive arm motion (unless the watch was designed for it). Exposure to these risks can negatively affect the movement performance.

Love shopping for shoes? The shoe business is a multi-billion dollar industry and if you love designer labels you've no doubt had plenty of help from a variety of shoe salespeople. Whether talkative and friendly or all business, there are several universal truths when it comes to what that helpful sales person is thinking but would never say out loud.

"Just because I'm kneeling at your feet doesn't mean you're better than me. I'm here to help you with my expertise, not be your servant."

"No one cares how big your feet are. Seriously. Don't ask for a size 7 if you're really a size 9."

"Stop stretching out the sample shoes! Don't try them on if they're not your size -- you're ruining them for everyone else."

"Please don't make me wait while you chit-chat on your cell phone, unless of course you're okay if I do that to you."

"Losing weight will make your legs, knees, and feet feel better but it won't really change how your shoes fit. Don't buy too-tight shoes thinking you can diet your way to a more comfortable fit."

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Antwerp, Belgium, the city which handles 80 percent of the world's rough diamonds after they are mined and over 50 percent of the world's precious-stone-quality diamonds. If you're interested in diamonds, the 500 year old traditions in Antwerp are a must-see. You'll want to visit the diamond district, which is a relatively small area (only about a square kilometer), but packs a plethora of jewelry stores and diamond dealers, many at terrific prices -- even with the exchange rate being as unfavorable as it is.

If you're new to diamonds and concerned you might be swindled, you've still come to the right place; it's easy to do your research and learn the A to Z (or, rather, the D to Z) of diamonds in Antwerp. The first stop I would recommend is DiamondLand, an internationally renowned diamond dealer and diamond information center. Free tours are available daily at 11:00 AM, except Sundays, and include a lesson in where diamonds are mined, how they are made, the quality terminology and an opportunity to see a real diamond cutter at work. Secondly, for an even more in-depth look at the diamond industry and its worldwide impact, The Diamond Museum (open daily except Wednesdays) is just a short walk from there. Be sure and get the audio guide; you won't get much information without it.



With no further ado, here are 10 Things You Probably Don't Know About Diamonds, which I picked up in Antwerp:

1. Diamonds cut before 1950 are shaped differently from most diamonds cut since then (today). The "Antwerp Cut" was developed in the 50s; they found a shallower geometry which distributes more light (more sparkle). See the gallery for a diagram.

2. You can be a real diamond miner for a day in Canada. There are two mines in Canada, Diavik and Ekati. They are extremely difficult to get to, but if you visit, you can pick up diamonds, and they'll pay you for what you find.

3. If you do this at any other diamond mine, you will probably be shot. At least that's what my tour guide said.

So we at Luxist clearly love handbags, we feature a new one every day as part of our Handbag of the Day feature. But although handbags might be a fashion statement, a means of expressing ourselves, and an occasional therapeutic indulgence, they're also a necessity. Whether a tiny clutch or an enormous tote, when is the last time you left the house without a bag of some kind to carry your essentials?

Arguing that carrying a handbag is a necessity is easy, and there's no doubt that certain bags serve different purposes, but is there any certain number of bags a woman really needs? How much does fashion and personal enjoyment factor in when deciding how many bags is respectable to own and how many is too many? I read somewhere once that the average woman owns 8 handbags, but that almost doesn't seem like enough if you factor in the four seasons, daytime, nighttime, and allowing for at least a neutral and a statement piece for each of those categories. Plus it's nice to allow room for the occasional purely trendy indulgence every now and then.

It's a question that has no real answer, unfortunately. But just out of curiosity, how many handbags do you own? And how many do you think is too many?

Scarves are a great way to dress up an otherwise drab outfit and can be layered with everything from a silk blouse to a cotton tank top. Some women have a knack for throwing on a scarf and instantly looking totally pulled together and gorgeous, but most of us have to make a deliberate effort in order to pull off the look successfully. The real key is confidence -- wear the scarf however you feel comfortable, in whatever way you think looks best, and in a color and material that flatters your skin tone. Truthfully, wearing a scarf isn't as complicated as it seems and is actually pretty difficult to get wrong, but there are a few rookie mistakes to avoid.

DO choose a material that fits the season. Lightweight scarves look great year round but save the heavier fabrics for fall and winter only.

DON'T mix too many patterns together. If you have a lot going on already in terms of prints or patterns on your outfit choose a solid colored scarf -- simple is usually better.

DO wear scarves to both formal and informal occasions -- just be sure to match the styling to the event. For something dressy try a sleek 'neckerchief' or an elegant butterfly wrap. For a more casual look the bandana is gaining popularity with celebrities.

DON'T be afraid to experiment. Scarves can not only be worn around your neck but also around your waist as a belt, on your head as a headband, or tied to the handle of your bag to add a punch of color and feminine flair.

DO collect scarves in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes so you have options when you're looking to accessorize. Although scarves are amazingly versatile they aren't all created equal and each has different strengths. The right scarf for the right occasion makes all the difference.

Some women meticulously choose an outfit-coordinated handbag every morning, while others carry the same bag for months (or even years) until it finally wears out and falls apart. Because they're such a daily necessity and an ingrained part of our everyday lives, handbags say a lot more about their owners than just announcing their taste in fashion. Big, small, hobo, clutch, flashy or plain -- what is your handbag saying about you?

Shoulder Bag Shoulder bags denote a thoughtful, practical nature and careful decision-making.

Designer Label Women that carry expensive, designer handbags enjoy the finer things in life (and want others to know it).

Knock-Off Carrying a knock-off bag can say that you're putting a fake front to the world and not always being true to yourself. But at least you have good taste.

Clutch Those who carry a clutch or very small handbag on a daily basis don't need to have their entire life with them at all times and give off an "I am a jet-setter" vibe.

Over-sized Large hobos and tote bags say that you don't want to ever have to go without. They say "I am prepared" and "I can take care of myself."

Flashy Bright, bejeweled, sequined, or otherwise very flashy bags denote confidence and a desire to be noticed.

Neutral Soothing, comfortable, neutral bags often belong to women with open, personable, friendly demeanors.

Do agree or disagree? What do you want your handbag to say?

Adding a hat can make or break an ensemble, not to mention either flatter your face and highlight its best features or leave you looking decidedly unattractive. Finding the perfect hat for that perfect look your going for is much easier when you understand how to shop for your body and face shape.

Petite Frame Hats with a small brim, or no brim at all, usually compliment a petite frame by giving the illusion of height. Hats that are very large or have a wide brim can overpower a small person's appearance.

Tall Frame The taller the person the wider or larger the hat they can successfully wear. A hat with a brim that's too small can make a tall person look large and bulky.

The trick to finding a hat that compliments your face and head shape is balance. If your face is angular, go with a softer, rounder hat. If your face is full and round go with something more angular.

Square Face Hats with a full shape and a rounded crown will best flatter a square face.

Round Face Lengthen and balance a round face by wearing a hat with a structured, angled crown. Try one with an asymmetrical brim or wear a regular brim at a slight angle.

Oval Face People with an oval face can wear almost any hat style, just be sure it's proportionate to your frame and that the color suits your skin tone.

Heart Face Draw the eye upward by wearing a hat that's on the smaller side and sits up high on the head.

Other factors to consider...

Skin Tone Hats are worn close to your face so choose a color that flatters your skin tone.

Cheek bones A rule of thumb is that the crown of a hat should never be narrower than a person's cheek bones.

Comfort Perhaps the most important tip of all is to choose a hat that you feel comfortable and confident wearing, and that's appropriate for the occasion.

Fine cultured pearls should last for many years, even generations---but only if they are properly cared for.

Cultured pearls should be kept free of perfumes, cosmetics, perspiration and dirt, advises Tiffany & Co. Acid and akali substances can be harmful to pearls, including chemicals found in perfumes, skincare products, hair products and even perspiration due to the salt content. On the other hand, the body's natural oils (apart from heavy perspiration) are actually beneficial for pearls and keeps them from drying out. The issues are the same for colored pearls. A cultured South Sea, Tahitian and golden pearl necklace with a diamond clasp by Tiffany & Co. is seen above.

Tiffany & Co. advises pearl owners to follow the old adage "pearls should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off". Avoid getting your pearls wet and don't wear them when bathing.

If your pearls are soiled, clean them by gently wiping the pearls with a slightly damp cloth. Do not use a chemical-based cleaner on them, as they can become damaged.

Do not store your pearls with other pieces of jewelry, as they can be easily scratched. Separate the pearls from other items by keeping them in a soft bag or wrap them in a cloth before storing them.

Tiffany & Co. cultured pearls are strung on pure silk with knots between each cultured pearl. Over time, the silk will stretch, weaken and become soiled. If you wear your cultured pearls regularly, Tiffany's advises having the pearls professionally cleaned and restrung annually. This will prevent the strand from breaking.

Diamonds are among the hardest of all minerals. Still, they require special care to keep them looking their absolute best.

The brilliance of any diamond depends on the amount of light that can enter the stone and reflect back to the human eye. However, the smallest deposit of grease on the surface of a stone can dull its reflection. Even a touch from a finger will leave a smudge of natural oil, according to De Beers, one of the world's leading diamond companies.

Clean your diamonds with a simple mix of six parts water to one part ammonia and apply with a soft, natural bristle brush. If you have no ammonia in the house, you can substitute with a mild liquid detergent. Rinse with fresh water and dry with a soft, non-abrasive cloth. If your diamond has a crack or inclusion, De Beers advises owners not to use ultrasonic cleaners, as the vibrations of the cleaners can enlarge flaws.

A few words of warning. De Beers recommends that jewelry not be cleaned in or near the sink. If there is no better location for the cleaning, be sure the plug is in, to avoid the jewelry going down the drain. If you are using a brush, be gentle: diamonds can work loose from their settings if treated roughly, warns De Beers. If you use hand lotion, wait for at least 10-15 minutes before putting your rings back on, as the ring might easily slip off.

While most people believe that diamonds are impervious to scratches, that simply is not the case. Indeed, another diamond can easily scratch another. To prevent such scratches, separate diamond jewelry in your jewelry box, advises De Beers. Diamonds also can scratch other gems or jewelry, especially soft items like pearls. And even though diamonds are hard, they can be brittle, especially along thin edges. Try not to wear your diamond when it might be struck sharply, and if you have an especially thin cut, keep it protected. If you are traveling, use a secure travel pouch, which will keep individual pieces safely apart, according to De Beers.

De Beers recommends having important pieces of jewelry checked quarterly to be sure the stones are secure in their settings.