Jewelry, like anything, comes in a range of qualities. Some jewelry is made for fashion; flaunting simulated stones, inexpensive chunky statement pieces, copies of all the latest trends or just inexpensive fun stuff to wear for a season. Some fashion jewelry even mixes fine metals with simulated stones or real gemstones in silver or other metals.  You can find fashion jewelry anywhere from department stores to boutiques and definitely online. Fashion jewelry is typically mass produced to be sold for larger retail outlets that require many, many pieces and can be significantly cheaper than fine jewelry. This jewelry is typically made of materials that are prone to break quickly and might only be good for a few uses before they begin to wither.

And let me make it clear that there is nothing wrong with buying inexpensive fashion jewelry. It can be fun to play dress up and deck yourself without breaking the bank. See some fun finds at Nordstrom's latest trends. I even enjoy scouring the jewelry stands for cheap bangles or fun rings occasionally, but most of the time I would much prefer to save my money for  pieces that will last forever.

Fine jewelry, such as the pieces in my collection Lauren Sigman Collection, are made of precious metals, semi-precious gemstones and diamonds, and are meant to last a lifetime. So why would you chose to wear fine over fashion?

My collection is entirely handcrafted in the USA and is made with 14k, 18K, Platinum and handpicked gemstones and diamonds. Fine jewelry cost more because it’s it worth more. Fine jewelry is literally an investment and is worth something after it’s purchased. Most fine jewelry can be resold, re-purposed or even melted for it’s value. Gold literally has value and is traded on the stock exchange along with diamonds and other metals. Some fine jewelry is even considered an investment, like a work of art.

With proper care and storage it will last forever and can be handed down to generations to come. Pieces of fine jewelry, such as my Beaded Tuberose Necklace with Sapphires or my Opal Daisy Earrings are collectible, meaningful, and valuable. Our one of a kind pieces are all hand selected for their stones and handmade at a bench with tools and old world techniques. Our bridal collection as well as many of our pieces include high quality vs diamonds we sourced from trusted vendors we’ve built relationships with for many years.  I have always seen jewelry as a beautiful and happy thing to invest in because it so personal, gives the wearer joy, and can be used every day. So much more fun than putting your money in a stock account! Plus who doesn't want to spend their hard earned money on something that will make them feel and look amazing and will hold and most likely increase its value through time.

From the beginning my jewelry has been whimsical and happy but I NEVER wanted to make it with anything but the best quality materials. I’m proud of that and proud that in a world full of instant gratification and cutting corners for the almighty dollar that we’ve stuck to our vision and our quality promise. I’m not sure I could do it any other way!

Each of my pieces is special to me and every single piece is made and finished by hand. Nothing makes me happier than being able to share my creations with the people who invest in my collection and who can see and feel the spirit of what I’m creating. I’m so thankful for that! Fine jewelry is how I live my happy.

Find a piece that that makes you feel happy at https://laurensigmanjewelry.com/. 

Happy me,

Lauren

Spring is in the air and oh does it smell like FLOWERS!

Spring has always been my favorite season. Not only is it a time of joyful blue skies, fresh air, and new beginnings, (and not to mention my birthday season), but it's also full of flowers and possibilities.  Not only are the flowers starting to blossom but spring trends are blooming all around. The trends in fashion, jewelry, home design, food and more are getting me excited to leave winter behind (although in fairness, I live in Florida and it wasn't much of a winter) and look toward inspiration for new designs.

Spring cleaning is a ritual in my house. With the first sight of Jasmine growing in the backyard I take to my closet and home to clean out and replace evidence of drab Winter with new and fresh pieces.  Recently I’ve been inspired by bright colorful wallpapers, floral throw pillows, and fringy chandeliers to spruce up my studio. Pantone’s 2019 color of the year was announced to be a very spring-themed shade of Living Coral! I love this color and try to use it in my designs when I can find great Spessartite Garnet, Poppy Topaz or Fire Opal!

Many beautiful trends in Spring bring us enough eye candy to last the whole year, and in fashion we’ll be seeing bold and vibrant color blocking to flowey white dresses and of course floral prints in every form; the spring fashion scene is something to get on board with. Some of my favorite items to wear in spring include: floral dresses, spring sandals, and fun purses of bright springtime colors. Of course, I’ll be layering my Enamel Flower Necklace, Open Flower Station Chain and Daisy Necklaces on repeat! All of these trends and more are what make Spring such a delightful time to revamp your closet and give yourself a fresh start with a new item that you adore.

As a designer, I get so excited and inspired with the arrival of springtime because it means new jewelry and for me new flower designs. Since much of my collection is centered around flowers I’d say Springtime and I go together hand in hand.

A few of my favorite pieces from my line to wear in spring are my gold flower earrings, stackable Petunia rings, and my wildflower pearl charm bracelet. Springtime is the perfect time to not only be surrounded by flowers, but to wear them on your body for the perfect boost of happy!

I always hope that my collection inspires you and brings you happiness, and spring is a beautiful time to put away your dark sweaters and bring out your colorful you.

Find a piece that springs your interest at https://laurensigmanjewelry.com/.

Colored Gems are an absolute must have for every jewelry collection. Not only do gemstones span the rainbow of color, but they represent us in a way that a gold ring or a white diamond just can't. I’ve always loved the idea of "birthstones” which assigns everyone a specific gem based on the month they were born. I love how these stones can tell us a story about a person based on their specific stone (whether you believe in that sort of thing or not, it’s mostly just fun). I was born in May and my birthstone is an Emerald which is a beautiful and green; must be why I love nature (and flowers) so much! Like most gems it’s comes in different shades of color and cuts which make one stone completely different from the next.

Colored gems are some of my absolute favorite stones to design with as no two are the same; making every piece that much more special. I also have this major thing for color as it lightens my mood and and makes me feel happy. The most common word used to describe my collection is “HAPPY”, and I’m sure it’s because I use lots of color in my designs.

Gemstones are meant to represent you. It’s like a piece of your inner energy that can be worn on the outside for everyone to see (and make you look fabulous while doing it). You can wear gemstones with any gold or silver piece for a pop of color and fun. One of my favorite things to do with Gemstones is to make beautiful stackable rings, dangle them off bracelets, and of course create dangly earrings.   

If Diamonds are a girl's best friend than Gemstones are a reflection of the “girls” themselves. Each is flawlessly unique, colorful, beautiful, (and tough as hell).

This Valentine's Day, get your loved one (or yourself) something that not only says “I love you” but “I know you” with a gemstone piece personalized to reflect their unique beauty.

• January - Garnet
• February - Amethyst
• March - Bloodstone
• April - Diamond
• May - Emerald
• June - Pearl
• July - Ruby
• August - Peridot
• September - Sapphire
• October - Opal
• November - Topaz
• December - Turquoise

If you’re looking for some gemstone options, take a look at some of these!

• PEARL & GEMSTONE NECKLACE
• SUNFLOWER GEMSTONE NECKLACES IN GOLD
• BLUEBELL RING / BLUE TOPAZ
• PINK SAPPHIRES PETUNIA AND PEARL EARRINGS
• CHARM NECKLACE
• AMARYLLIS RING
• DANDELION & SAPPHIRE PETUNIA CHARM NECKLACE
• ORCHID AND DIAMOND NECKLACES

Valentines Day & Jewelry

Most people think Valentine's Day was invented by Hershey's Chocolate and Flower Companies, but of course it wasn't. Valentine's Day is actually well documented with its roots weaving its way through centuries worth of Christian liturgy, pagan tradition, myth and an occasional beheading. But, let’s keep this post classy.

Whatever it’s long roots may be, we in the USA have taken Valentines day and commercialized it in all the best ways. Who doesn't love, well, love? And, even if you're not a fan I bet you're a fan of some of the common Valentines Day gifts that might come your way.

I know I’ve talked about this before but it bares repeating. Flowers and Hearts just go hand and hand and I’m drawn to designing them both together and separate. I have to admit that I own lots of heart things. Sweaters, Scarves, Waffle Maker, and really want, but do not own these shoes!

It goes without saying that I design and bring into the curated collection lots of hearts. Like flowers, they make people happy and the design possibilities are endless. This year I wanted to add some color to my heart so I created this cluster heart pendant that we make with Diamonds, Pink & Blue Sapphires. And, 2019 calls for rainbows and we won't disappoint as we’re making a new rainbow heart to add to the collection.

If you’re looking for yourself or a loved one we also put together a Valentine’s look book so all our hearts are in one place for you to enjoy.

If your only in the market for chocolate, (dark is my favorite), or flowers (orchids are a must!), we get it and love those things too! If you want to step up your Valentines game, hang with LSJ, we've got you covered.

No matter what, we LOVE you each and everyday!!

Lauren

Every year January rolls around and I start scrambling. Time to make a plan, create new designs, do more of what worked and less of what didn't. The cycle moves fast, the holidays keep coming and I always feel behind in my planning and execution. It took me several years to understand that in January I should be working on Spring and in Spring it’s full on holiday planning! It’s a lot for a small brand but I think I’m finally ahead of it! I spent a lot of time in November and December planning ahead and I feel good.

With that in mind I want to talk about (don’t kill me), Valentines Day!

Now I know that for some, valentine's day is one of those holidays where expectations of a gift only goes as far as Chocolate and Flowers and honestly, that’s fine! However, you know I’m a flower girl and nothing goes as nice with flowers as does, wait for it….HEARTS!

My company literally started because of a puffy, hammered heart my grandmother gave me.  I loved that heart so much, I recreated it. It was the first piece I made when I was doing my apprenticeship almost 10 yrs ago. We took that heart and sawed it in half (it was hollow). I then cleaned it up, casted both sides, cleaned it again and soldered the halves together to create one whole heart. You see, if you don’t open it up, when do your cast the gold into the center and it would make it a solid gold heart! Beautiful, but way too heavy to wear. My plan is to create a video of my process so you can actually see how I go from idea to finished product. It’s ON MY LIST!

I used my  “Grandmothers” original heart mold for many years until I decided to re-carve it last year. Now, it’s a little bigger and smooth without the hammered look.

Of course 10 years later, we have lots of heart options.  I’ve got you covered with necklaces, rings, earrings, and bracelets. Hearts and flowers are like peanut butter and jelly. Where there is one if you add the other it makes it even better!

So, if your healthy new years plan doesn't include chocolate, or you just want to wear those flowers in your ears, we have options.  In the coming week we’ll be releasing our Valentines lookbook on our website.

And, don’t forget about our Wish List tool that allows you to put all of your favorites in one place, revisit as often as you like and even email it to your Valentine.

Also, if you haven't joined my email list, please do! I promise I won't spam you! That would be annoying and I try not to annoy. Haha. However, in our planning we’ve come up with some amazing perks of being an insider, so don’t be left out. All will be announced in the coming months.

Don't’ let 2019 get ahead of you. Take a breath, take a look and take a leap into the new year. And if you haven’t done any planing, don’t worry it, we did it for you.

Happy New Year!

Lauren

When I was young I used to dream about Christmas and all the elegant events that were happening while I was sitting at home. I was raised Jewish and we didn't celebrate Christmas in our house. So when I was young I thought Christmas eve and Christmas day must be exactly what you see on TV. Everyone dressed up for Christmas evening, sitting around a piano, signing songs, sipping wine and having an elegant dinner with family. Christmas day was early rising, hot chocolate, matching PJs, a Decorator Tree and presents by the fire. I was so jealous.

Well, I grew up, got married to my husband who does celebrate Christmas and got to experience it all for myself. I’m not going to lie, I was kinda disappointed. My husband's family dressed casually, there was no piano, and certainly no big fire. (In all fairness, we live in Florida so having a fire doesn't happen often.) I learned quickly that every family has its own traditions that may or may not be that ideal Christmas movie playing in my head. Even though I love my extended family dearly, and the all the traditions we created together, I still secretly pine for those past images in my head.

So whether your family is casual or dressy, potluck or catered, we have you covered. Perhaps you’re traveling for the holidays and need easy travel jewels, cozy PJs, or gifts that travel well, we’ve got you covered.  

One of my favorite brands for Travel is Tumi. I love my Voyager bag that I use for my carry on.  Most of their purses and travel bags all have a special jewelry pocket to keep your pieces safe and sound, and lots of compartments to put all of your things. This bag also slides onto the handle of my rolling bag for easy moving through airports. If you’re like me, and travel with lots of jewelry pieces, you need a travel case that works. I love Mark and Graham jewelry cases for organization and protection. I typically use these inexpensive baggies to keep my jewelry separated and from scratching and then put into my case.

Here are a few more must haves that I always travel with.  Headphones, sanitary wipes (because obvious), a small lotion (my favorite is from Trader Joes, tissues, a great playlist, Audible book (currently listening to Michelle Obama's book), or a downloaded movie on my iPad. Of course a bottle of water, a healthy power bar, and always, always, always a comfy wrap just in case I’m cold or need a pillow. Check out this amazing one from J.Crew.

Christmas Eve

I like to dress for Christmas Eve so I’ll be wearing this Florida style DVF dress, these amazing heels I splurged on for my “Big Birthday” from LV and some beautiful LSJ jewelry.

Christmas Day

Christmas Day will be casual with black jeans from Lucky, a cute  shirt and a jean jacket. Of course, there will be a layering of necklaces, some stud earrings and a ring or two.

So, whether you’re traveling for the holidays or staying close to home. We hope you find some R&R, a cup of hot chocolate, lots of time with the ones you love and some LSJ under your tree.

Happy Holidays and Ho Ho Ho,

Lauren

Very often I have clients ask me what's my favorite piece of jewelry. Although that question is always impossible to answer, I can definitively say that earrings are my favorite category! I can leave the house with no makeup, hair up, flip flops and even no wedding ring. But, you can be sure that I WILL have my earrings on. I have no idea why but when I have earrings on, mostly studs for the day and hanging for night, I feel dressed and pretty. Earrings also have the most opportunity to be seen and shown off. They frame your face and add color and sparkle.

When I first started designing jewelry I was completely overwhelmed and excited (I still am) about how many beautiful gemstones there are to buy. I can tell you that I own more gemstones that I’m saving for the “special piece” then I can count. I’ve spent countless hours looking, sorting, examining and buying beautiful stones. And, just when I think that I don’t need one more gemstone, I come across some that I can’t resist, and so it continues.

So, what to do with all these beautiful gems? EARRINGS! Many of the hand selected gemstones that I buy go into One of a Kind pieces. There are no other categories necklaces, rings, bracelets that shows off the color and movement the way earrings do. Earrings (especially hanging ones), give opportunity to light and flashes of color that are unique to the design. Each pair has so many possibilities and I can sit for hours arranging and rearranging how I’m going to create each pair.

I always recommend to each client that they visit our One Of A Kind section first on our website.  No matter how I try, I can never recreate these pairs. Each are unique and special and I almost always have a sad moment when I let them go. It’s like sending your kids off to college for the first time. You’re so sad but so hopeful that they’ll have a happy and successful life!

So, this holiday season, weather your a stud girl, small and dainty or long and one of a kind, definitely check out all our earrings, and always know that they hold a special place in my heart now and forever.

xoxo,

Lauren