Why Do We Wear Jewelry?

Jewelry is a great way to express yourself and to tie any outfit together, but why do we actually wear it? When did people begin to wear jewelry and why? If you have ever found yourself wondering this and want answers, we have them here for you. Read further to understand a little bit more about why we wear jewelry.

Pandora Brown Tripe Leather Friendship Bracelet

The first known jewelry pieces date back to around 75,000 years ago. The earliest pieces of jewelry were typically made out of animal hide, leather, or reeds and were decorated with items such as animal teeth, bones, feathers, shells, pebbles, and berries. Some of our pieces, such as our Pandora Brown Tripe Leather Friendship Bracelet, are inspired by these early pieces and use leather to create a simple look. The use of gold and gems in jewelry can be traced back to Egyptian and Mesopotamian cultures. Since then, adorning oneself with jewelry has been consistent across time, religions, cultures, class, and gender. A well-known theory to why people began to wear jewelry is to satisfy their higher needs.

You may be aware of the famous Maslow pyramid that displays our “Hierarchy of Needs.” What this pyramid conveys is several layers of human’s needs that have to be met in order for us to be completely happy or fulfilled. At the most basic level is our physiological needs, such as hunger and thirst. Next comes safety, then love and belonging, then esteem, and finally self-actualization.

Pandora Birthday Blooms Ring

The need for jewelry could be considered to fall somewhere among social needs and esteem needs. It can fit into the social category because of people’s needs to belong to a group, and it can fit into esteem because of people’s desire of recognition and status.

A way to identify with others through jewelry is the shared meaning we have created through it. For instance, with birthstones, someone wearing their particular stone representing their birth month may identify with someone else wearing the same stone. One birthstone item that we carry is the Pandora Birthday Blooms Ring.

Mawi Teardrop Crystal Earrings

Jewelry satisfies esteem needs by being an assertion of one’s wealth and status. It shows that lower needs, such as food and shelter have been met, so now higher needs can be addressed. Jewelry is a universal show of status because of its inherent value and natural beauty. We don’t possess anything like the natural splendor of a peacock, so instead, we use sparkly, colorful, and splendid stones and metals. For example, our Mawi Teardrop Crystal Earrings bring beauty and décor with eye-catching colors. Jewelry also implies things that would be impolite or crass to say, such as one’s status in society, or even their marital status, through the wedding band.


This is one of many theories why people began to wear jewelry and why we still wear it today. One thing that we do know for sure- jewelry is a timeless piece of beauty here to stay. To stay on top of current jewelry trends, view our edgy designer jewelry at our NorthPark Jewelry store!

The Art of Layering Rings

One way to draw attention to your hands is to layer rings on your fingers. Wearing multiple pieces can be a fun way to spice up an outfit or to add some drama to an everyday look. The trick to this trend is to have your jewelry look cohesive but effortless. It can be easy to go overboard, so here are some tips on how to successfully layer rings.

Stick to simplistic rings.

King Baby Studios Small Bow Ring

Pandora Celebration Ring

One way to wear a lot without looking overpowering is to stack bands on different fingers. This look will surely bring people’s eyes to your rings, and add effortless style to your outfit. A beautiful yet simple ring such as this King Baby Studios Small Bow Ring has plenty of personality but can pair well with other pieces on a hand. Looking for a ring that could go above or beneath the bow, why not this Pandora Celebration Ring? These two are perfect examples on how to wear two rings on the same
finger without it being too much.

Every finger can be a ring finger. 

Thomas Sabo Clear Zirconia Arabesque Ring

Some may be scared to stray away from their ring finger when it comes to wearing rings, but all of your fingers deserve to be accented with beautiful pieces. Putting a ring on your thumb or pinky may be the perfect way to make your hand look complete. This Thomas Sabo Clear Zirconia Arabesque Ring will bring some bling to any finger you choose.

Choose a focal point on your hand. 

Virgin, Saints, and Angels Crystal Ring

When you are picking out rings, you may want to put every attention grabber on at one time. We suggest that you choose one statement piece and let all of your other pieces accent your showstopper. One ring that will surely make this statement is this Virgin, Saints, and Angels Crystal Ring. When you are wearing this ring around your finger, it will be hard for anyone to stop staring at it.





We carry all of the current jewelry trends so you will never run out of options with us. If you are looking for more rings that you could layer on your fingers, check out our Dallas jewelry store or visit our online jewelry store at lovemyswag.com.

SWAG Highlight: Cuff Bracelets

Cuff bracelets have always been a popular way to make a statement on your wrist. No matter the occasion, cuff bracelets are a great choice for adding drama to an outfit. They are wonderful pieces to always have in your collection because they are always on trend. Here are some of the gorgeous cuff bracelets that are available at SWAG today!

 

Miriam Haskell Silver Pearl Fringe Cuff

Want a cuff that will add some elegance to your jewelry collection? This Miriam Haskell Silver Pearl Fringe Cuff is for you! There is no such a thing as too many pearls so this can be paired with other pearl jewelry to amp up the class factor in your outfit. With this cuff, you can show off your wrist with elegance and timeless design.

Erickson Beamon Modern Moghul Bracelet

If you are looking for some color, then this Erickson Beamon Modern Moghul Bracelet is for you. The two-inch wide cuff is covered with blue and fuchsia crystals along with other jewel tones. This cuff can either be worn as a statement piece for a formal event or as a fun way to add color to your favorite outfit.

King Baby Studios Large Seeing Stars Cuff

Cuff bracelets can also be great when layering your jewelry. An example of this is this King Baby Studios Large Seeing Stars Cuff. Although it does stand out, it is not too overwhelming to wear with other bracelets. It could either be paired with smaller bracelets such as a set of bangles or with a
different type of jewelry such as a selection of simple rings.


For more cuff bracelets or other trendy jewelry, check out our NorthPark Jewelry store. You could also visit the best online jewelry store at www.lovemyswag.com. For a limited time only, receive a free SWAG watch with a purchase of $200 or more.

Mixing New and Vintage Jewelry

Adding in some vintage pieces to your jewelry collection will make for some beautiful combinations the next time you want to make a statement with your accessories. There is something unique about vintage jewelry; they just become more beautiful with time.
 

Lulu Frost Vintage Necklace

Jose and Maria Barrera Button Earrings

When layering the two together, think about making a vintage piece the statement piece. If you are looking for a vintage knockout, this beautiful Lulu Frost Vintage Necklace is for you. The combination of silver and gold gives you the opportunity to pair it with a variety of other small pieces such as these Jose and Maria Barrera Gold with Coin Rope Button Earrings.

King Baby Studios Silver Bead Bracelet

If you want to incorporate vintage in a subtler manner, try a piece like this King Baby Studios Silver Bead Bracelet with Wing and Four Vintage Coin Charms. This timeless selection will accent any other jewelry piece you may be wearing such as the King Baby Studios Arch Wing Skull Ring. If you feel that wearing both pieces might be too overwhelming, try placing each on a separate hand. That way they can shine alone but together they bring a great deal of attention to your hands.

King Baby Studios Arch Wing Skull Ring

Because new and vintage jewelry each bring something unique to the table, the combination of the two is your chance to take advantage of what each has to offer. Vintage jewelry can either steal the show or compliment other trendy jewelry, but it will always complete your look.

No matter how you like your vintage jewelry, big or small, here at SWAG we have something for you. We have the best online jewelry store full of vintage selections that would fit in to your collection. Come in to our NorthPark jewelry store and we will be happy to show you new and vintage pieces that work well together.

All About Pearls

Pearls, the birthstone for June, are one of the most timeless and treasured gems- something that will be in style for years and years to come. They can add a classic feel to any look or can update an outfit with more contemporary pieces.

Miriam Haskell Two Row Cluster Pearl Silver Necklace

Pearls are interesting because they have so many colors, shapes, and origins. Round is the most prized shape in the industry, but both saltwater and freshwater pearls are produced in a variety of shapes. They can be:
• Round
• Off-Round
• Oval
• Teardrop

Semi-baroque and baroque pearls are considered off-round, and they can be very asymmetrical in shape. Our Miriam Haskell Two Row Cluster Pearl Silver Necklace features round pearls, contributing to its elegance and worth.

Thomas Sabo Sterling Pendant with Mother of Pearl

Pearls are unique because they are the only gem that comes from a living creature. Pearls start out as a grain of sand or a microscopic worm that finds its way into an oyster. As a result, the oyster produces a smooth and hard substance called nacre to protect its soft body from this irritant. Many layers of nacre coat the foreign object and eventually harden, forming the pearl. Generally, the thicker the nacre is, the richer the “glow” of the pearl. This can greatly increase its value. Our Thomas Sabo Sterling Pendant with Mother of Pearl certainly has a strong glow to it.

Miriam Haskell Cluster Pearl Gold Earrings

Throughout the ages, these luminous pieces have symbolized wisdom, wealth, purity, romance, and mystery. Emperors, Kings, and Queens have all sought to possess them, and ancient Egyptians were buried with them. In Rome, they were considered the ultimate symbol of wealth and status, and the Greeks prized them for their beauty and association with love and marriage. Part of the reason for their value is their unblemished perfection-even though they are made through a natural process! No wonder they’ve withstood the test of time! Today, pearls are even used in more contemporary pieces to create more trendy jewelry, such as in our Miriam Haskell Cluster Pearl Gold Earrings.


For more beautiful jewelry pieces with pearl and other edgy designer jewelry, be sure to check out our NorthPark Jewelry store!

Men’s Cufflinks

Scott Kay Unkaged Diamond Pattern Cuff Links

When it comes to jewelry, women have necklaces, bracelets, earrings … well you get the picture. Of course men can wear these pieces of jewelry as well, however, these items aren’t traditionally part of a man’s attire. There may only be one piece of jewelry that has universally been deemed acceptable for even the manliest of men – the cufflink.

For years, gentlemen have added a touch of class to their button ups with some stylish cuff links. Like other pieces of jewelry, cufflinks don’t necessarily serve a function other than adding a sense of style to an outfit. At times, cuff links have the rare power to turn even the most unpolished man into a dapper gentleman. A man wearing cuff links demonstrates to others that he is a man of taste and refined style. He has no qualms about looking good and showing off his more sophisticated side.

Scott Kay Unkaged Round Cufflink

Cufflinks come in a wide array of materials. They can be made out of diamonds, gold, silver, stone, pearls, or just about anything. Yet their versatility doesn’t always equate to wise style additions. So while cufflinks provide a great way for men to show off some of their personality with a dress shirt, cuff links can lead to a fashion faux pas. Like any jewelry, men run the risk of purchasing too flashy cufflinks. In other words, cufflinks that are too large or have too many adornments. So to make a wise style decision, it’s recommended the men purchase less ornate cufflinks that will correlate well with their outfit, while still providing a tasteful punch of style and fashion.

King Baby Studio Day of the Dead Cufflinks

Scott Kay and King Baby Studio offer cufflink collection with some great examples of stylish cufflinks that are stylish and versatile.

For more information on men’s cufflinks or for any trendy jewelry tips, visit our online jewelry store. If you want to personally shop our great selection, come visit us at our NorthPark jewelry store.

All About Azaara Jewelry

Azaara Earrings

Azaara Ring

Beverly Hills based designer, Josef Arzili, is the man behind the popular fine jewelry collection, Azaara. Arzili studied at the Fashion Institute of Hamburg, Germany, and has always expressed his interest in jewelry design. Capitalizing on his passion, he has been able to release numerous successful jewelry collections all over the world. His talent and eye for creating gorgeous jewelry collections have allowed him to amass a far-reaching and loyal fan base – one filled with the likes of several celebrities, such as the First Lady.

Azaara Necklace

Many of his works are sold at some of the most famous boutiques and online jewelry stores. Fashion publications such as, Oprah, Lucky, Teen Vogue, InStyle, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, The Knot and Glamour, are just some of the few magazines that have featured Arzili’s jewelry.

Arzili, an avid world traveler, drew his inspiration for making jewelry by visiting exotic countries all over the world. In 2001, he created his first line of jewelry, the Vintage Crystal Collection and shortly after released his signature Filigree Collection. The company Azaara was born from these two collections and soon grew to produce several other lines, including Arzilis Delicate, Hot Rocks, Porcelain, Nature and Enamel Collection and most recently his Paris and Florentine Collections. Each collection is rich in color and clearly demonstrates his cultural influences.

Azaara Hoop Earrings

The Azaara collection evokes both the rich and opulent qualities found within his first collection, but also reflects the finely crafted and meticulousness of his Filigree Collection. Beautiful Azaara earrings, necklaces and rings can be found online at LoveMySWAG.com.

For more information on the Azaara collection or for any trendy jewelry tips, visit our online jewelry store. If you want to personally shop our great selection, come visit us at our NorthPark jewelry store.