And the Golden Lobes Went To…

At the 2014 golden globes the body part best served this year was definitely the ears. The lobes held more sway than wrists or necks, whilst I am sure there were a few killer cocktail rings there.

My standout out, hands down favourite was Cate Blanchett in a beautiful Armani Prive dress and Chopard Eco challenge (responsibly sourced diamonds and Fair trade gold) Diamond Earrings.

Julianna Margulies rocked Van Cleef Arpel earrings and Jessica Chastain wore an amazing diamond necklace by Bulgari.

Zooey Deschanel, Jennifer Lawrence and Emma Roberts all wore great earrings by Neil Lane.

Red Carpet, Golden Globes.

The Golden Globe Awards are here again and in some ways its my favourite of the award show extravaganzas. A little more relaxed than the really Big Show. I always feel like the nominees and guests alike may enjoy this ceremony a little more than the rest, as it doesn’t seem to have quite the stitched up quality of the Oscars. You get to have a little dinner, a few drinks and suddenly a long stretch of air kissing and back slapping doesn’t seem so arduous. Not to mention the opportunity to catch up with friends and colleagues .

Looking forward to hosts Tina Fey and Amy Poehler too. Funny and smart usually does it for me. At the 2013 Golden Globes Awards Tina rocked a L’wren Scott dress with Fred Leighton Jewels and Amy wore Stella McCartney teamed with a knockout Chopard diamond lariet.

My prediction is coloured gemstones on the red carpet, But will it be dominated by neck, wrist or ear action in 2014 ?

It’s going to be a great year!

Some of the left hand side and more of the right is in order

So it’s a new year, and I must say I have been having completely uncharacteristic thoughts about new years resolutions. Odd seeing as I have never had the desire to attempt the less eating less drinking more exercise varieties of resolution. Too much pressure, and I think I am at heart somewhat of a little H hedonist. Never met a pizza that didn’t have my name on it.

I am a creature of habit though, just ask my husband about my favourite wine. Which I always have. Always… and I am not kidding. This year is different. It has occurred to me that I have turned what was my hobby once a lifetime ago into my career, into my obsession. You could call it an unhealthy habit.

Hello. My name is Melissa Harris and I am a workaholic.

A lovely Facebook friend and follower volunteered that she never makes new year resolutions. Instead she chooses a word that holds meaning for her, and acts upon that word throughout the year. I love that! So I have chosen my word. Balance. My husband always tells me not to kill the golden goose and I think that having a narrow work obsessed life might just kill creativity, which are my golden eggs.

So here we go 2014.

Breathe…

Spring Racing Carnival.

The Melbourne cup is fast approaching, so shopping for the perfect outfit is in full swing. This year my style choices incorporate the current love affair with floral prints and a little Mad Men style, with a black backdrop (cannot resist). the dress is a short Valentino. The shoes, Tony Bianco wedges. Wedges are an excellent choice if you don’t want to sink slowly into the grass and ruin your heels on the day and also have the added comfort factor. The  Sydney milliner Jonathon Howard Hatmaker made this gorgeous piece and the sunglasses are Dandy by Le Specs. With so much going on with the print I have chosen to echo the print with a delicate Clover Bracelet. The ring is a Pink Tourmaline Stack Ring teamed with some patterned fine gold stackers to make a statement. A cocktail ring or big cabochon ring is a great way to add a little glam to an outfit. Don’t forget the bag, something with a chain strap perhaps , so that you can juggle your champagne flute, canapés and winnings!

Left to right:  Circle Cuffs, sterling silver or 18k gold plated brass. Horseshoe fine chain bracelet, 9k yellow gold. Horseshoe Rope ring. Sideways ring. Signature Porter Ring with claw set oval lemon quartz, in sterling silver.

Karl, Minnie, and the Christmas spirits.

I am a sucker for good packaging so it stands to reason that I also love a good Christmas window, and nobody does it quite like the Americans. I think we could make a little more effort in Sydney. To walk up Fifth Avenue in New York at Christmas time is really a visual treat, provided you don’t fall into the Bah Humbug camp. Last Christmas Printemps in Paris had fun with little Karl Lagerfelds.

This year Printemps has given the windows a New Look with Chanel and subtle little vitrines to kick off the festive season. Here are a couple of oldies but goodies from past windows in NYC…

Bergdorf Holiday window 2011

Gaga Holiday window at Barneys 2011.

Barney’s is getting in to the spirit with Minnie and crew with windows and a very cute video.

Weekend Links Love.

 

 

I thought I would post some  links to some of the stuff that I find amusing, inspiring, and downright crazy so here are my weekend links this week.

 

For those who love ink but cant commit Tattly is a great alternative.

I just love this amazing cloud sculpture.

Which is your favourite of the BEST 50 WEBSITES?

The Process.

I came across this video today, by Fine jewellery house Van Cleef and  Arpels. It is a lovely document about the process of jewellery making. I love the old jewellers bench, it makes me a little envious actually. The precision needed for some stone set jewellery is excruciatingly exacting but if you are fortunate time is suspended, as the attention that must be paid to each process becomes more like meditation.

Jewellery Trends 2012/13…

The Spring/Summer 2012/13 ready-to-wear shows saw fashion names, like Valentino and Gucci,serve up pastels,art deco styles and floral-patterned art nouveau-influenced clothes, with its romantic forms and undulating lines. Melissa Harris witnessed numerous designs and collections that echoed these feminine, intensely romantic designs at the JCK Jewellery Show in Las Vegas this year.Melissa attends the event every year, which involves 2500 participating companies from 22 countries, to uncover new labels and fledgling designers for her store in Paddington.

“It’s wonderful to see all the new designers, gain inspiration and stay abreast of trends. I began my career in California, so it has a special place in my heart. My own jewellery debut was a small collection of necklaces at LA EYEWORKS on MELROSE in 1988,” says Melissa.

“Romantic designs abound this year,” said Melissa. Art nouveau is exotic and naturalistic in its essence, and designers took inspiration from leaves, flowers, insects, feathers (especially peacock plumes) and wings. Opals and moonstones made a statement amongst many of the designs.

A nod to nouveau style.

“One of the pieces that caught my eye was by jewellery designer Paul Morelli. His art nouveau diamond bangle was stunningly beautiful,” said Melissa.

Art Deco was still strong, with its structure and architectural lines evident in the collections. The jazz age was a strong period for jewellery design so it’s no wonder that it’s influence still resonates today. The highly anticipated release of Baz Luhrmann’s Great Gatsby will surely boost the popularity of this style of jewellery also.

Colour was huge, with fire opals and carnelian filling the tangerine trend. Turquoise also featured prominently throughout the show–tsavorite and green amethyst were also in abundance.

2012/13 jewellery trends included:

• Winged Victory – Winged designs that ranged from protective to transformative. Ranging from romantic to those with a rock & roll edge, peacock feathers to Native American style, feathers proved to be a strong motif again this year.
• The Moon and Stars – Celestial shapes and styles shone brightly.
• Organics – Gemstone cutsranged from precious gem slices, irregular shapes and polished rough cuts. Rustic diamonds galore.
• Gold Spun – Yellow gold was key, with lace and woven styles making a strong showing.
• Coming up Roses –Rose Gold was also showing up in many of the couture designer’s work. Melissa predicts rose gold will continue its resurgence next season.
• Oh my God – Opals are seeing a true resurgence in a variety of different types and cuts.

Orange was the hero colour of the JAA trade show.

 

Okay…

So I am not the most prolific blogger in the world I grant you. I have been concentrating on Facebook , Pinterest and to a lesser degree Twitter, and now I feel bad that I have neglected my blog for so long. When I say that time flies, it’s lightning speed that I am talking about. Anyway I am now officially on it so I suppose I will have to neglect Pinterest this week instead!

While I was at an enormous jewellery and gem trade show in Las Vegas 3 weeks ago, I got inspired to do some design work for brides to be out there. Not big rocks (unless they ask me to of course) but something pretty, something classic and something a little different.

I dont believe in the 2 months salary $$ for the ring. I don’t believe in any rules when it comes to getting married and what a couple want to wear to signify their commitment. So here is something from my digital mood board. A delightful marriage proposal and one of my favourites…

Giving back.

Would you like to give something really special to your mum this mothers day? We have a great give away, so enter the competition and win this beautiful pearl bracelet with white gold and diamond circle charm. The circle here is the ring symbol which represents the eternal bond we have with our mothers.

To Enter the Mothers Day competition:

 
1.  Simply leave your story about your mum in the comments here or post your story on our Facebook wall. Pictures and poems are welcome, the more creative the better!
2. Our team at Melissa Harris will choose their top 3 favourite stories or photos. The top three entries will then be posted on the Melissa Harris Jewellery Facebook wall where fans will vote and determine the three winners.
3. All Mothers Day Competition entries must be received by midnight, April 17^th and the winner will be announced on the blog on April 23^rd. 2012. The competition is open to anyone 15 years or older. Shipping is free of charge.