Jive Jewellery Blog

Men's Jewellery Exclusive Promotion

Fri, 18 May 2012 01:25:00 GMT

Jive searches the world for meticulously crafted, contemporary jewellery from leading designers. A range of stunningly original men’s jewellery from Germany caught our eye and we tested a limited range with great success.

The only downside was that with the rising price of silver, the price of these rhodium plated, sterling silver pieces moved beyond the reach of many buyers. Not wanting to disappoint our customers, we successfully negotiated an exclusive distribution arrangement and secured a major price reduction which we are passing on in full to you.

The range is now exclusive to Jive and best of all, we have slashed retail prices by 50%.

Browse the mens jewellery range and take advantage of of the Exclusive Promotion while stocks last! A selection of products are shown below.

Click to view: Silver Bulls Head Pendant: Silver Eagle Pendant: Silver Bulls Head Bracelet: Silver and Onyx Ring

Mother's Day Inspiration from the Strangest Places

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 04:31:00 GMT

What does the Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India have to do with a Mother’s Day blog? Quite a bit as it turns out!

I had an idea for this blog and was looking for data on the history of Mother’s Day. (No I promise - it wouldn’t have been boring!) I thought Mother’s Day had originated in the UK, but what do I know? I found that actually Mothering has been celebrated since ancient Greek and Roman times, and I found that it is celebrated on various dates in 47 countries around the world. I also found that India has only celebrated Mother’s Day for the last decade. And where did I find all of this information? Yes – of course it was on a website compiled by the Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India that is totally dedicated to all things Mothering!

India may have come late to the celebration, but if you check out this website www.mothersdaycelebration.com, you’ll have to agree that they have embraced it with gusto!

Among all the great information on the site, I found a funny list of ‘Momisms’. Mumisms (Aussie spelling if you please!) are things your Mum used to tell you that made you roll your eyes, and of course you swore you’d never say to your own kids!

So it was out with the original blog idea, and instead I am reprinting their Mumisms (spicing it up with a few of my own) and hoping it makes you smile. If it does, please thank the Society for the Confluence of Festivals in India (such a fab name) for the inspiration! Here goes:

Money does not grow on trees.
Don't make that face or it'll freeze in that position.
If I spoke to my mother the way you speak to me....
Put on clean undies; you never know when you'll be hit by a bus.
Be careful or you'll poke your eye out.
What if everyone jumped off a cliff? Would you do it, too?
You have enough dirt behind your ears to grow potatoes!
Eat your crusts if you want your hair to go curly!
Close the door! Were you born in a barn?
If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all.
Don't put that in your mouth; you don't know where it's been!
It doesn't matter, I'll always be proud of you.
I hope that when you grow up, you have kids "Just Like you"!
Because I'm your mother that's why.
If I've told you once, I've told you a thousand times.
If you fall out of that tree and break your leg, don't come running to me.
Oh yes; I so AM the boss of you.
Because I said so, that’s why!
Just wait till your father gets home.
No dessert if you don’t clean your plate.
I've got eyes in the back of my head, that's how!
Just you wait until you have kids of your own - then you'll understand.
I slave for hours over a hot stove and this is the thanks I get?!
Honestly... you'd lose your head if it wasn't screwed on!
Bored! How can you be bored? I was never bored at your age.
Who'll end up walking, bathing and feeding it...?

Where would we all be without our Mums and her Mumisms? To Mums everywhere, I hope your Mother’s Day breakfast tray comes with eggs that are cooked through, with that toast that isn’t burned, with tea that is hot and a small jewellery box hiding behind your bud vase!

Happy Mothers Day…

1. Lemon Quartz Silver Ring $275 2. Black Pearl Sterling Silver Earrings $65 3. Lemon CZ Sterling Silver Earrings $39 4. Amethyst and Silver Ring $119 5. Gemstone and Silver Dome Ring $259

The Beauty of the Classics!

Sat, 14 Apr 2012 08:21:00 GMT

What is it about those timeless pieces that not only seem to work for every occasion but make you feel good every time you put them on? You know the pieces (be they shoes, handbags or jewellery) that you rely on so often, they almost feel a part of you. My bet is that the designs are classically simple, with an easy, unfussy elegance - your very own classics.

We asked our in store customers to choose the top three jewellery pieces they would wear again and again -- and we weren’t at all surprised to see that all the items they chose were smooth and unadorned in polished sterling silver! Here are a couple of classic items that came up time and again across everyone’s selection:

1. Silver Linked Collier $995 2. Silver Curved Dome Ring $99 3. Silver Wide Huggies $115 4. Silver Cross Studs $45 5. Sterling Silver Bangle $490

What about you? If you had to choose several items of jewellery (other than your wedding rings!) to stay with you until they wore out, what style would they be? Choose your ultimate classic piece, comment on our blog and join our draw to win a $100 Jive gift voucher!

The winner will be drawn randomly from everyone who comments on this blog. The draw will be made on Friday April 27th and the winner notified the same day. Make sure you leave contact details!

Jewellery - The Trend to No Trend

Mon, 02 Apr 2012 01:03:00 GMT

Vogue’s Kirstie Clemens writes this month about no longer hearing the question “What’s in?” She says: “That (question) just doesn’t exist any more. Anything goes; it has far more to do with your personal style and how you put pieces together than any one defining look”. We agree; creating a signature look or looks is what it’s all about and your jewellery is part of that mix.

Twice a year our jewellery designers refine or reinvent their collections, and like the Vogue editors we are mostly hard pressed to find a common thread between their collections. Gone are the days of designers in any field dictating what’s in and what’s out. Yes there are common threads in fashion – how else could you explain that we’ve all had an orange explosion in our wardrobes this year or that over the last few years we’ve all sprouted an extra few (or 10) centimetres on our platforms – but unlike days of old, nothing is being replaced it’s all just being added to.

Rather than be frustrated by our inability to clearly define jewellery trends, we think it is something worth celebrating. Yes there are some broad trends in jewellery – the trend to sterling silver, the trend to statement necklaces or the trend to coloured stones for example – but unlike days gone, this no longer renders your current jewellery wardrobe “passé”.

So what does this mean in terms of updating your jewellery? It means defining the many different styles you embrace from sporty to romantic to sexy to sophisticated and making sure your jewellery compliments your many moods and looks. Maybe you choose jewellery with filigree, hearts or flowers for romantic looks; sleek, bold pieces for sexy and sophisticated looks and simple, unfussy jewellery for casual and sporty outfits.

Whatever you choose, in these days of reduced consumption, think quality not quantity and longevity not throw away. Check out our New Instore section to find pieces that inspire you to experiment with an update or two and make your jewellery part of your individual, signature look.

Great Look, Even Better Price - Silver Essentials

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 05:22:00 GMT

With the rising cost of silver over the last two years and the global economic uncertainty, it is not surprising that women everywhere are being careful about finding the best value before making jewellery purchases.

Jive has always recognized the need for a great range of quality sterling silver jewellery at everyday prices to compliment our exclusive designer pieces. Our Silver Essentials range is specifically created for women wanting stylish, contemporary jewellery without the designer price tag.

Jive Silver Essentials jewellery combines contemporary design, quality workmanship and the finest .925 sterling silver with a surprisingly affordable price. And it's not the low end silver jewellery found in mall retail stores - it is original, stylish, exclusive and fantastic value.

Jive searches the world to find the products that fit our criteria then we buy direct from the designing manufacturer meaning great prices that we can provide direct to our customers. We're adding new pieces all the time and this month we have some great new styles at truly exceptional prices!

Browse New Instore to see the new pieces or Jive Silver Essentials to see the full range. Click the link to see the video of me chatting about the Jive Silver Essentials range.

Feel exclusive with fashionable silver jewellery from Jive.

1. Pearl Ring $69 2. Pearl Drop Earrings $69 3. Wide Huggies $115 4. Flower Ring $45 5. Filigree Ring $49

Jewellery You'd Never Be Caught Wearing

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 01:24:00 GMT

Your Jewellery Style -- What jewellery would you never be caught dead wearing?

Large hoop earrings
Vintage pearl necklace
A necklace, earrings, bracelet and ring – all at once?
Anything featuring hearts
Chunky beaded necklace
Faux bling anything
Real diamonds (are we kidding!)
Other? You tell us!

Tell me what would never it make into your accessory kit and why?

Fashion - How Much is Too Much?

Tue, 28 Feb 2012 07:56:00 GMT

Are you a stand out…or a blend in?

What a week – with politicians spilling about all over the caucus room floor even the most fashion obsessed of us could be forgiven for missing the Oscars completely (I did!). Like the rest of Australia I’m so glad the “he did…she said” of the last week is over (for now at least) and we can get back to more important debates such as: how much is too much – for you?

In a quick trip through last night’s Oscar fashions this morning, you can’t miss the glitter – a bold, sparkly drop earring here, a shoulder clasp there, and diamantes, sequins and crystals, some subtle (Cameron Dias, Michelle Williams) and some not so subtle (JLo, Meryl Streep, Sandra Bullock) liberally sprinkled everywhere. But is it strictly a red carpet look? And while you are forgiven for being totally sick of the word Poll this week -- in the real lives of the rest of us do we:

embrace sequins and big bold sparkly looks, or reject them, play it safe and seek to blend in?

While it is hard to pinpoint what too much actually is when one person’s bold statement is another’s OTT cringe making experience. Or another’s safe choice, leaves us yawning, bored and dismayed, but what is your view. What is too much - or not - for you?

Our experience with women in our Hastings Street store (and I should point out here that there is precious little demand for sequins on Hastings Street!), tells us that is has little to do with lifestyle and everything to do with attitude. When trying on big, chunky necklaces, earrings and rings, some women flaunt it and clearly feel good, while others express concern that it “might be a bit much” and go back to safer choices.

Of course it is entirely a matter for the individual – choosing what makes you feel like the very best version of yourself is always the key. But sometimes, we can’t help wondering what if these ladies would get out of that safe little box just once? Tracy (who works with me at Jive) commented when I was discussing this blog concept with her that: ‘if someone gives you an attention seeking piece (necklace, dress, shoes, etc), would you be flattered that they thought of you as someone with confidence and a bold sense of style? Or would you be surprised that they really didn’t know you at all?

What do you think? Tell me the path you tread most often – is your style brave, bold and stand out, or moderate, appropriate and blends in?

White Heat - Why White Metal Will Remain Top Choice for Jewellery

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 23:34:00 GMT

I was chatting to a lovely lady in our Hastings Street store on the weekend about a beautiful necklace (shown below) she was considering from one of our Mexican designers. A luscious, smooth and sophisticated piece with a price tag that puts it into the considered purchase range for this client. She was mulling it’s longer term fashion value and asked if we thought the current love affair with bold sterling silver jewellery would continue, or would the 80’s love of yellow gold return.

Obviously as Jive specialises in sterling silver pieces, I am hardly unbiased on the topic, but there is a solid reason for suspecting that this is one love affair that will not wain. My theory is that as long as white metals dominate the choice of engagement and wedding jewellery, that sterling silver is a more natural partner than all yellow gold jewellery.

In a 2011 US survey of more than 10,000 brides and 1,000 grooms by The Knot and The Wedding Channel, 73% said that white gold or platinum was their metal of choice. And did you know that Tiffany always makes the prongs on an engagement ring from platinum no matter what metal is chosen for the band as this ensures the whiteness and brightness of the diamond?

Frankly we see enough women in the course of a day to know that white gold has been on top in the wedding stakes for at least a decade, and in fact my own choice of platinum 13 years ago was far from an unusual choice at the time. So we feel confident in saying that jewellery in white metals, including beautiful, lustrous sterling silver is not a fleeting fad but rather a solid investment in both the jewellery and fashion stakes. But what about you, what’s your metal of choice for wedding jewellery? And if you’ve been wearing them for a while, would you make the same choice a second time around?

Are You Hammered?

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:30:00 GMT

When it comes to sterling silver jewellery, is it hammered, plain or both for you?

In our Noosa store we have clients in both camps -- and many that cross-over from time to time. Hammered (or beaten as it is also known) silver looks fabulous in summer, adding just that right touch of sparkle as you move in the sunlight.

Although the hammering technique has been used on silver for centuries, its use initially was primarily restricted to coins or objects such as bowls and platters, when the hammered designs used by each craftsman became a form of signature. It was not until the more recent International Arts and Crafts movement of the 1860s into the early 20^th century, that the hammering effect was widely used in jewellery. This continued on through the art nouveau period where it was used to enhance the intricate designs that depicted branches, foliage and flowers on brooches, hair clips, lockets and rings.

Today, hammering can be both hand done as in many of the subtle works from Israeli silversmiths, or machine made using precast dies. There are advantages to both methods – in hand-made pieces, no two are the same and the hammering still forms a kind of signature for the silversmith. In die pressed pieces, the hammering is uniform across the piece and matching pieces such as earrings are perfectly formed.

At Jive we offer a mix of both, so next time you are looking to add a little sparkle to your jewellery wardrobe, give the hammered look a chance. We’ve got some fabulous new arrivals in store this month so check out New In Store, or enter the word hammered in the search box and all the options will come up!

The Long or the Short of It

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 01:51:00 GMT

For the last four years jewellery designers have been trying to convince us to wear long, long necklaces. At Jive, both in our Noosa store and online, our customers have largely resisted and continue to favour collar length pieces in most of their choices.

Despite the claim that ‘everyone in Europe’ is wearing them long - believe me I lived in Europe for 10 years and ‘everyone’ never follows a trend there no matter what the beauty industry tries to tell Aussies! - many women have made up their own mind not to comply. They are steadfastly refusing to move the focus away from the neck, shoulders and face on south to the bust and waist!

Jive has no opinion either way and we continue to offer and wear both ourselves, but do our customers have a point? Is it a good idea to move the focus further away from our faces? Do we really want people looking at and talking to our navels? And do we want our jewellery to compete with the clothing we are wearing, or do we want it to bring a little light and shine to the skin of our décolletage? Tell me; what’s your choice – long or short?

Valentine's Day - Thought or the Gift that Counts?

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:32:00 GMT

When it comes to Valentines Day, is it the thought or the gift that counts? Is recognition of Valentines Day important to you? What do you think?

My sister celebrated a Birthday this week and in our birthday chat she thanked me for a lovely card and my message (she is a very special person) and I said she was welcome and that sometimes I think the card and the words are more important than the gift. The next day when we spoke she said she had thought about what I had said and concluded that she may not actually be my sister because to her it’s the gift that counts! We had a good laugh, (and as I had sent her some gorgeous earrings I was OK) but it did get me thinking…

What do you think as we approach yet another ‘man-made’ celebration day? Is Valentines Day important to you – and why? Perhaps it was important at the courtship stage and is less important in the 10 plus years married phase -- or not? (My hubby and I fall into the later category and we celebrate by exchanging cards and either having dinner out together, or making a special meal at home).

If you like to celebrate it, do you prefer?

A Card
Flowers/Chocolates
A Dinner date for two
Jewellery
Spa Treats

I’d love to know what you think…

Happy Valentines!

Jan

Buried Treasure

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 06:40:00 GMT

This year resolve to reuse, recycle and refresh from your own closet before venturing into the mall … Don’t let me discourage you from shopping (Heavens, no!), but your plastic could probably do with the break, and down the road, your superannuation will thank you! Save your dollars for the occasional splurge but in the meantime get your fix by shopping your own racks! And remember to include those drawers full of accessory and jewellery as well.

When it comes to jewellery, it’s often storage that is the challenge, so empty those drawers, boxes and baskets and remember to check the door handles and coat hooks as well to make sure you’ve got it all. Lay it out and identify what looks good for work, good for a night out, what should be stored for another look next year, what needs polishing or a quick fix, and what’s broken and past it. If there are pieces that you like, but don’t love, arrange an accessories swap night with some friends – it’s a great fun way to ooh! and ahh! over beautiful ‘new’ things all night without anyone having to take their clothes off!

My bet is that somewhere in your stash will be jewellery that is so totally hot right now - some fabulously forgotten treasure - you’ll feel you hit the jackpot that made this whole exercise worthwhile. And when he asks you: “Is that new?” for once you can truthfully say “What, this old thing!”…

Happy hunting, happy saving and Happy New Year!

Five ways to help the men in your life buy for you!

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 01:36:00 GMT

He loves you and wants to give you a special piece of jewellery for your anniversary, birthday or Christmas but you know he could do with a little guidance. Here are some tips to pass on to him so he can surprise and delight you with his fabulous taste!

It's gift giving time -- five things to consider when shopping for jewellery for the lady in your life!

How Do You See Her Wearing It?

Do you want to give her something that will work with a new dress or her favourite outfit? It is for an event or party, or something to wear for work? While the proverbial little black dress or cocktail frock gives you plenty of scope - her business dress usually requires more subtle options. Anticipating how she might wear it is a good starting point for narrowing the myriad of choices out there.

Check out the bold options from Jive's Statement jewellery collection for the black dress and the Black & Silver jewellery Collection for more conservative wear.

Click to View - Onyx Pyramid and Silver Ring - Sterling Silver & Amethyst Necklaces - Black Leather & Silver Hear Bracelet - Silver & Black Agate Earrings

What's Her Jewellery Style?

Does she enjoy wearing a lot of jewellery including bracelets and necklaces or is she a more comfortable with a simple ring and earrings. Does she generally wear gold or silver jewellery (you'll be surprised how many people don't seem to remember this simple first step when considering a jewellery purchase)! Does she wear big bold jewellery, or small delicate pieces that are personal to her. Are her ears pieced? Does she prefer clip ons, studs, or the more flamboyant choices of hoops and dangle earrings? A little detective work helps narrow the options but here are a few hints - clip on earrings from Murano are great for women who don't have pierced ears while elegant sterling silver dangle earrings are perfect for the woman who can take the attention!

Click to View - Silver Ball & Rod Earrings - Sterling Silver Pod Necklace - Sterling Silver Large Bracelet - Spinning Sterling Silver Ring

What's Her Best Colour?

If you are considering coloured jewellery be sure to base your choices on something that will coordinate with clothing colours she likes to wear. While all colours go with black, white, grey and beige wardrobes, if she likes to wear colour and a lot of it, then noticing what she wears most off can really help. You can enhance her favourite colour with plain sterling silver jewellery or by choosing coordinating gemstones.

Topaz and Sapphire - for women who like blue and turquoise

Emerald and Peridot - for women who like light and dark greens

Garnet and Ruby - for women who like deep reds

Amethyst - for women who like mauves and purples

Citrine - for women who like yellows and oranges

Diamond and Zirconia - for women who like sparkle with no colour

Smoky Quartz - for women who like dusky, mysterious colours

Click to View - Murano Frida Bright Green Earrings - Murano Brio Necklace - Murano Frida Ocean Blue Bracelet - Silver & Carnelian Pyramid Ring

Make a Match

She'll be touched if you take the trouble to find a piece that matches her current favourite piece of jewellery. A black pair of earrings for her black ring for example. There are lots of matching options in the Jive range including these from Jive's Black & Silver jewellery Collection and Silver Essentials Collection.

Click to View - Multi Ring Silver Earrings - Multi Ring Silver Necklace on Chamois - Silver Rolling Ring Necklace - Silver Rolling Ring

Choose Like a Stylist!

Most women love their fashion and like to be 'on trend' even in a small way -- in jewellery mixed metal is all the rage right now. So look at the fabulous rose and yellow gold combinations in our Silver & Gold Collection and get high marks for being a knowledgeable stylist!

Click to View - Hammered Silver & Gold Earrings - Silver, Gold & CZ Spinning Ring - Silver & Gold Branch Bracelet - Silver, Gold & CZ Necklace

Call Us

If all else fails, call us and we'll ask you about the person you are buying for and help you find a piece that says you know and understand her!

Buying Jewellery for Men - How to Find the Right Piece

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:53:00 GMT

If you are looking to buy something other than the latest e-toy for a man, consider a piece of jewellery as a refreshingly different and creative solution.

Mens fashion has come a long way in recent years and men are increasingly comfortable with wearing jewellery. Making a gift of a ring or bracelet to a man is as acceptable today as it is for a woman but before choosing, make sure you consider his personality, style and personal preferences. Not all men have the same attitude to jewellery. Some men wear a lot of it and so feel comfortable wearing bold necklaces and bracelets. Others prefer something more discreet and decidedly more "masculine" in appearance. To help you make the right decision I've noted the different types of men who buy jewellery in our Noosa Head store, and added some product suggestions.

The Mans Man:

This man thinks of himself as a product of the Outback -- or perhaps he's the real thing. Tough and rugged with a strong independent streak - he's most comfortable wearing casual clothes and considers suits for wedding and funerals only. He's definitely not going to wear anything that could be considered girly by his mates.

Jewellery in metals such as titanium, stainless steel or other tough material are among the best choices. Sterling silver also works as long as the design is 'ruggedized'. Rings, and necklaces are usually safe choices, or go for a simple leather bracelet.

Click to view - Silver Stud Wide Ring - Silver Stud ID Bracelet - Silver Stud Bracelet - Silver Stud Dog Tag

The Creative Fashionista

You'll know one if you have one! He loves the latest fashions and preens almost as much as you do. Confident and more than happy to express his trendy side, he's the man for bold necklaces, bracelets and attention seeking rings. Try a matching bracelet and necklace - or go bold and help him make a statement with a big ring.

Click to view - Silver Reptile Cross Ring - Silver Multi Link Necklace - Silver Bead Leather Necklace - Wide Leather Bracelet

The Executive

At work a conservative hard charging executive -- at home a fun guy who likes nothing more than excaping the discipline of office life. Jewellery allows him to express his personality but he'll likely be somewhat conservative in his choices. You won't go wrong buying him a ring in precious metals but if you are willing to take a small risk try a silver bracelet. If he doesn't like it, we can always exchange it for the ring!

Click to view - Silver and Leather Ring - Silver Money Clip - Heavy Silver Chain Bracelet - Silver Strip Cufflinks

The Family Man

He's the perfect Dad and caring partner, careful with money and puts the family first. If you are lucky enough to have found him, you know he deserves a treat. You worry that jewellery might seem frivolous to him but we know he'll never stop wearing it once you find the right piece. A nice solid ring is probably the best choice and is something personal that says you care.

Still not sure what to choose? Give us a ring or send us an email - we'll talk to you about the special man in your life and help you think through the right choice for him!

Click to view - Stainless Steel Etched Ring - Triple Band Ring in Titanium & Gold - Silver Cross Ring - Stainless Steel Cable Ring

The Ring's the Thing!

Thu, 24 Nov 2011 04:24:00 GMT

It’s party time and the most important piece of jewellery on display this season is the ring. Why? Because it’s usually wrapped around the stem of a glass and out there for the world to see! Be they big and bold, or delicate and pretty, make sure they are polished up and looking fabulous.

Just like chipped nails, tarnished or dull jewellery should never be taken out for the evening. Grab a jewellery polishing cloth (Coles and Woollies carry silver cloths here in Australia), sit down with a cup of tea or a glass of wine and give your jewellery a quick polish – honestly it only takes less than a minute for each piece and you won’t need to do it again till next season. Check for loose stones and polish out deeper scratches in silver with a little Silvo. Pack it all away and you are ready to layer on the bling, at the drop of a cocktail napkin! Or if you are bored with what you’ve got, find a new stunner to take you through the season and you won’t even have to polish it!

For some real high impact rings this season, check out these beauties

Amethyst Crystal Ring $199 - take colour blocking to a whole new level

Crystal Rock Ring $995 - stun the room into silence

Engraved Oval Ring $99 - decorate your digits

Speckled Glass Ring $169 - go dark and mysterious