Guides and tips Archives

You can take it with you: jewelry travel cases.

June 6, 2013

Traveling with jewelery is easier said than done. Necklaces get tangled, rings can fall off, bangles can be bent. But a vacation without bling is no vacation at all. What’s a lady to do?

Up until now, I’d been using a makeshift system of little boxes (the cardboard ones like you get for jewelry at a department store) and drawstring bags to keep everything safe and separate. This was moderately successful, but not elegant.

My quest for the perfect jewelry travel case has taken many months, but I’ve found one.

Jewelry travel storage case options: the Alice jewelry keep by Rowallan. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I’d like you to meet the Alice jewelry keep by Rowallan. (Mine is pink, obviously.) It’s lovely – sleek and leather. It’s not too big, so I could easily stick it in my carry-on for traveling. The inside is suede has has plenty of ring rolls – which are also great for holding stud earrings – as well as compartments for larger earrings. The snapped flap on top flips down to reveal a split compartment for necklaces with a snap tab to hold chains and keep them from tangling.

Jewelry travel storage case options: the Alice jewelry keep by Rowallan, necklace compartment. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I’ve taken it on one long weekend away so far and it worked great. I could unzip it and see all of my jewelry at once, which is exactly what I wanted. It didn’t fit my largest statement necklace very well, but that’s fine. It’s main purpose is to keep track of smaller pieces, anyway.

First, a note about security: I think the best rule when traveling with jewelry is to assume that it might get stolen. If you can’t live without something, leave it at home, talk to your hotel about a safe, or keep it on at all times. When I travel I tend to stick to costume jewelry, or bring one pair of diamond studs and wear them every day.

My favorite way to shop is to buy a lot of options and then return all of the options but one. Here are mini-reviews of the cases I checked out that were nice, but not right for me.

Jewelry travel storage case options: the Mele & Co Giana Plush Fabric Jewelry Box. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This is the Mele & Co Giana Plush Fabric Jewelry Box. It’s beautiful, and stunningly high-quality for the price. It has ring rolls, side compartments, a lift-out tray, a mirror – it’s great. I liked it so much that I saved it to give to my sister as a Christmas gift (she loves it).

Jewelry travel storage case options: the Mele & Co Giana Plush Fabric Jewelry Box. (For size demonstration purposes, this shot shows the upper tray full of the blogger’s jewelry.) Via Diamonds in the Library.

Its only flaw as a jewelry travel case is that it’s bigger than I wanted (7 3/8″ x 5 1/2″ x 2 3/8″). As you can see in my photo above, this baby holds enough sparkle for a glamorous fortnight in Paris, and I was looking for a bling keeper more appropriate for a long weekend in Virginia wine country (sigh).

Jewelry travel storage case options: the Rowallan Rowan Travel Jewelry Keep. Via Diamonds in the Library.

If you liked my jewelry travel case but want something smaller, the Rowallan Rowan Travel Jewelry Keep is the case for you. At 2.5″ x 6″ x 1.7″, it would fit easily into most handbags. Under the removable suede layer that’s blocking most of the view in this photo, there’s a small section of ring rolls (about 1/3 of the space) and an open compartment. What’s great about this one is that the top compartment has the little clip to hold your necklace chains as well as the elasticized pouch below to hold the pendants.

Jewelry travel storage case options: the Amerileather leather jewelry roll (expanded view). Via Diamonds in the Library.

Jewelry travel storage case options: the Amerileather leather jewelry roll. Via Diamonds in the Library.

I was pretty sure I didn’t want a traditional jewelry roll, but if I had gone for one it would have been this Amerileather one. It’s beautiful – soft leather lined in suede and obviously high quality construction. It has ring storage as well as a specialized component for stud earrings, which I thought was great. It also fit well in my purse, since it folds up flat. I also enjoyed the color selections – a Tiffany blue jewelry roll is hard to beat.

The main con for me here was that I wanted something that let me see my options – this one required pulling things out to get a look at them. I also didn’t like that the buckle was a real buckle – it took longer to open and close than I would have liked. (Overstock has a great price on this right now if you’re not picky about color.)

Jewelry travel storage case options: the Mele & Co Jenna travel jewelry roll. Via Diamonds in the Library.

This is the Mele & Co Jenna travel jewelry roll. If you want a small and basic way to transport a little bit of jewelry, it’s perfect. I love that it has a ring element and multiple compartments – rare in simple rolls. This one was too small for me (and I personally didn’t like the fake crocodile print and heart-shaped zipper pull) but it’s great for what it is.

Jewelry travel storage case options: Rowallian Reece Mini Travel box. Via Diamonds in the Library.

The adorable Rowallian Reece Mini Travel box. At 2.75″ x 4″ x 1.25″ it would fit in anything but can’t hold much but rings and stud earrings. Could it be cuter? I really wanted to keep this little guy, but it just didn’t work for my jewelry travel case needs.

Jewelry travel storage case options: the LeSportsac Ruby Roll in “speckles”. (Expanded view.) Via Diamonds in the Library.

Jewelry travel storage case options: the LeSportsac Ruby Roll in “speckles”. Via Diamonds in the Library.

And last but not least, the LeSportsac Ruby Roll. This is a less frou-frou option than most of the other jewelry travel cases (part of why I didn’t pick it…you know me). But it’s fabulous: roomy compartments, smart design, good size. I wanted something with some substance to it, but the squishibility of this one makes it easier to pack. The “speckles” print is pretty cute. You can see a video demonstration of the Ruby roll on Zappos. 6pm.com has the best price, but only for certain colors.

That’s all I’ve got for you, my dears. What do you think of the options? How do you travel with your jewelry?

Guide to jewelry sizes: my jewelry sizing cheat sheet.

November 1, 2012

The best tool to have with you when you’re buying any kind of jewelry is information. If you’re shopping in person, try everything on and check yourself out in a mirror. If you’re online or can’t touch, the following information on jewelry sizing will be helpful to you (especially on sites like eBay and Etsy).

The length of a necklace drastically affects how it looks when you wear it. Always pay attention to necklace length when you’re purchasing jewelry, and be aware of how different necklace lengths look on you.

Most pendants can be switched to longer or shorter chains, but don’t assume this is going to be easy unless you get a good look at both the bail (the thing connecting the pendant to the chain) and the size of the clasp. Some small bails and/or large clasps require pliers to manage a chain switch. (I’ll post a tutorial about that soon.) For non-pendant style necklaces, sizability is variable. If you see links, your chances are good. Take it to a jeweler, unless you’re very confident in your ability to alter it yourself.

Never buy a ring the wrong size again. Check out the jewelry sizing cheat sheet from Diamonds in the Library.

Always know your ring size. Here are several ways to determine your ring size at home it. (You should also be able to get sized at any jewelry store.) Remember that your fingers are different sizes – a basic tip, but it’s good to remember that you probably have small range of sizes to choose from.

Trying to find out someone’s ring size without them knowing? If you can, borrow one of their rings and take it to a jeweler.

Some rings can be resized, but not all – it varies based on delicacy, material, and design. Never assume a ring is resizable until a jeweler takes a look at it.

(Please note: It’s rare to see bracelets sized as S, M, L, and such a thing would definitely vary by maker. The above image is included for hilarity only. )

A standard women’s bracelet is 7-8 inches. Personally, I have tiny wrists. I would lose an 8 inch bracelet in less than a minute, and with a 7 inch one I have to be careful not to make extravagant hand gestures.

Know your wrist circumference, and know what size of bracelet you prefer. Measure your favorite bracelet or use a piece of string to measure the size you’d like your bracelets to be, and then remember that number. You can also use these printable rulers to do the same thing.

Remember the bracelet needs to both fit over the widest part of your hand (unless it has a clasp) and stay on your wrist once it’s there. Most link bracelets can be resized, at least to some degree, but most bangles can’t.

As for earrings, just pay attention to the details. Always take note of how large and long the earrings are. Are they 5 inches long? Measure that out with a piece of paper and hold it up to your ear. If that’s not what you want, then don’t buy them.

Also always be sure to take note of what kind of backings the earrings have. Are you okay with hooks/studs/screwbacks/clip-ons? Some earring backings can be changed, but not all.

Margurite from Ever After showing her feelings about brooches

(If you appreciate this reference, let me know so that we can be friends.)

Brooches have pretty much the same guidelines as earrings – look for measurements and, if you can’t picture it, make a piece of paper the size of the jewelry you’re considering buying. That can help make it real enough for you to tell if it’s the size you want, too small, or too big.

I hope this was helpful! Don’t forget to pin or bookmark it so you have it handy for all of your jewelry sizing needs.

Image sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5.

So you want to buy jewelry on Etsy: a first-timer’s guide.

October 25, 2012

Did you know that Etsy is a great place to look at vintage and antique jewelery?

Etsy is an online marketplace where people can sell things – handmade things, vintage things, anything, really. You do have to be careful – never forget that anyone can sign up to sell on Etsy, and you’ll never really know what you’re getting it until you hold it in your hand. A lot of the tips I gave for buying jewelry on Ebay also apply for Etsy. (Read more Guides and Tips here!)

There is lots of stuff for sale on Etsy and you have to wade through it to get to the treasures – but the treasures are worth it, and the hurt is part of the fun. Always use keywords to narrow down the search when you’re looking for something specific (“Edwardian filigree onyx ring” is better than “pretty rings”). You can use the category filters on the right-hand side to limit your results – for example, you can choose to see only vintage items, and from those results you could choose to see only rings.

If you’re browsing and you see something you like, add the store or the item to your favorites. It can be hard to find the same store twice if you forget the name, and often a seller who posts one item you like will post other items you’ll like also.

If something is lacking in pictures or information, ask the seller questions. If they won’t answer your questions, don’t do business with them. If a seller doesn’t have positive reviews, don’t do business with them. If you do buy things, pay promptly and leave honest feedback.

I once bought something through Etsy that broke as soon as I took it out of the package. When I wrote this as feedback on the seller’s page, she instantly contacted me to apologize, give my money back, and teach me how to fix the broken item.

Many Etsy sellers accept returns, but not all. Never count on being able to return something unless it specifically says you can. Even then – don’t forget to check and see if you’ll be responsible for return shipping.

Know all of your measurements – ring size, wrist circumference, and what necklace lengths you prefer. The only thing sadder than buying crap is buying something beautiful you can never wear.

Etsy gives prices up front, but they don’t include shipping. Don’t forget to mentally add shipping costs when you’re looking at the pretties.

Now that you’re prepared to buy jewelry on Etsy, let’s get to the goodies. Here is some vintage/antique jewelry that I am currently drooling over on Etsy.

Edwardian green glass lavaliere necklace