Everything You Need to Know About Jewelry this Summer:
Carol Brodie Shares Her Best-Kept Secrets
From Harry Winston to HSN, Carol Brodie has accumulated a vast knowledge of information and celebrity style tips. Her virtual jewelry boutique, Rarities Fine Jewelry with Carol Brodie, can be found on HSN as can her monthly visits which feature roughly 35 to-die-for new styles at affordably fabulous price points. If you are dreaming about wearing everything on Barney’s first floor… dream no more. Carol’s collection is chock full of her favorites… which are bound to become yours. Here are her tips for summer-fabulous sparkle:
What are the best investment pieces for this summer?
Blackened jewelry will be all the rage this fall, so how about starting now by buying pieces that pair gold and silver such as the Champagne Diamond Vermeil Disc-Shaped Earrings. The Indian Mughal Dyansty was the inspiration for these earrings which celebrate the sun and the treasures of the earth. A long layering necklace is so important all year long… try this one to update every summer mini and maxi. And don’t forget the cuffs… worn single or by the pair, cuffs always provide the necessary extreme makeover!
Buy Now, Champagne Diamond Vermeil Disc-Shaped Earrings, $3169.90
Buy Now, Smoky Quartz “Circles” Necklace, $849.90
Buy Now, Gemstone and Enamel “Dragonfly” Cuff Bracelet, $519.90
What is the one piece of jewelry that you never take off?
My obsession with the evil eye and hamsa hand go way back to summer holidays in Israel and Greece. My diamond evil eyes have so much become my signature that I am just launching my first ever Swiss-Made timepiece with the iconic design brilliantly sparkling on the dial. You can never wear too many talismans and I always suggest that the hamsa and evil eye should be worn together for maximum style and protection.
Buy Now, Champagne Diamond “Hamsa” Bangle Bracelet, $129.90
Buy Now, Blue Lapis and Sapphire “Evil Eye” Charm Bracelet, $224.90
What do you suggest we do to clean our jewelry in the summer?
My favorite summer secret is the jewelry bath. Gemstone and diamond jewelry gets dirty very quickly with sunscreens, soap and moisturizers. Mix the solution: 1 part ammonia, 1 part dishwashing liquid and 2 parts warm water. Bathe your jewelry (except woods, opaque gems and pearls) 10-15 minutes and use a soft tooth brush to gently wipe away the dirt. Rinse with cool water and pat dry with a soft cloth. Your jewelry will sparkle like new. For all other jewelry like coral, turquoise, wood and pearls, use a soft damn cloth to clean away the residues that are dulling the pieces.
Can we wear gold and silver together?
One of my favorite things to do is to mix and match my jewelry – old and new alike. I love to layer. I start with an antique piece or one that is black rhodium accented. I layer in yellow gold, rose gold and silver pieces to create a thoroughly modern look. Don’t be scared to experiment… I wear every color and texture of gold and silver as long as I have one estate or oxidized piece to pull it all together like this Diamond Rose Vermeil “Fleur De Lis” Ring.
Buy Now, Diamond Rose Vermeil “Fleur De Lis” Ring, $359.90
I know you love to layer, any tips?
One of the things I’ve learned is to keep jewelry in PROPORTION. Choose one big piece and build from there. If you are wearing a chandelier or a long earring, choose a long necklace – 30 inches or more – to compliment the look and keep everything in proportion. Long and layered is a great way to get a big look while still wearing fine jewelry. Cuffs are my personal obsession, but when you wear them I would skip the rings and keep the focus on an important earring. With bead bracelets or bangles, the more the merrier. Stack them up half way to your elbow for drama and impact!
Buy Now, Cultured Freshwater Pearl 37″ Necklace, $589.90
I lost my favorite earring at the beach, any suggestions?
Repurpose your jewelry — there is nothing worse than the single or ORPHAN EARRING lying at the bottom of your jewelry box. If you have lost an earring with sentimental or monetary value, take the other to your local, jewelry repair shop and have them turn your orphan earring into a pendant, charm or ring.
Buy Now, Diamond Vermeil “Peace/Snake” Pendant, $279.90
To see everything presented on air you can tune in to watch Carol Brodie on HSN on Sunday, June 19th from 11am – 2pm and again at 9pm on Sunday night. Be sure to check out HSN.com and order your favorite pieces on line. Styles sell out very quickly and she does not bring them back as they are true Rarities!
