Serenity

This post is sponsored by James Avery.

To me, jewelry that is treasured most has a story behind it. It could be the most expensive piece or the least expensive, but the person who gave it to me or the reason why I purchased the jewelry is usually what makes it special.  

James Avery is a jewelry company that I grew up with back in Houston, Texas.  I have several silver pieces of jewelry made by James Avery. They are treasured because of my sweet friends that gave them to me, and the spiritual meaning behind them. Being a Christian, I find I'm drawn to a lot of James Avery pieces of because of their cross motifs. When I first started pursuing my faith I was given a ring with a cross in it by James Avery. I also have a silver charm bracelet that I received the day of graduation from there. 

So, when James Avery reached out to tell me about some of their new pieces I was thrilled to review the line and tell you about one piece in particular that means a lot to me. There's something for everyone, but there was this ring from their Serene collection that I had to have. Now that I'm not wearing a wedding ring anymore, my left hand feels naked. When I saw how simple this ring was and that it was called the "serene ring" I thought to myself,  "This is the perfect reminder for me to always trust God." With my life being so different and new I struggle with surrendering things to Him, but this ring reminds me that I already have peace because I have God. It also reminds me to be bold in my faith because this ring is definitely bold.

I like wearing this ring with this vintage ring my mom gave me. It's actually the very first gift my dad ever gave my mother. And with a marriage "failing," it brings me encouragement that there are other marriages that have survived. That brings my heart peace and serenity. 

Do you have pieces of jewelry like that? I'd love to hear more about them. And if you're looking to give a special gift be sure to check out the beautiful pieces from James Avery. They really have something for everyone, and the hand crafted quality and price makes the gift one you can't pass up. 

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

MOTHER'S DAY GIFTS

This post is sponsored by Shane Co. 

Fine jewelry is a gift that you keep for a lifetime. That's why it makes such a great gift for special occasions like Mother's Day. I already save every piece of art my kids make, so you better believe I will be save every piece of jewelry they give me. The same goes for gifts from my husband. Fine jewelry is the ultimate symbol of telling someone they are special and worth it, and so I've partnered with Shane Co. to share with your pieces from their Mother's Day collection that communicate value and love for all moms. 

A locket is a timeless piece of jewelry that lasts generations. Being able to put photos of your loved ones inside and wear it close to your chest is beautiful. I love this silver locket because of its simplicity. You could easily wear it every day. It has one tiny diamond for some sparkle and space on the back for engraving. I wore my locket with a long crochet top and jeans, and I loved it!

ID bracelets are another timeless piece of jewelry that gets passed down generations. I particularly love Shane Co.'s design because it's adjustable for any size wrist. The tassels that hang down can be worn as the front or back of the bracelet, and the heart detail is lovely. 

You could also engrave this piece of jewelry with a special date, phrase or your kid's names if you wanted to. Personalizing jewelry with something like that makes it much more special to a mother don't you think? 

I styled my ID bracelet with a stack of three rings on my ring finger. A diamond one for Ryan, a gold and diamond ring for Elle and a gold midi ring for Levi. Ring stacks are still very popular, and for a trendier statement midi rings in particular are a great choice. 

If you love color, birthstones are an excellent way to personalize your special gift and add some personality to your collection.  Both of my babies were born in September. Their birthstones are peridots, but I don't wear green too much. So, for someone like me that is more of a color minimalist, I suggest trying blue topaz. I love this topaz tennis bracelet that is adjustable and the light blue goes with denim easily. You can dress this piece up or down. I dressed it down by adding a simple silver bangle to it.

Rings and bracelets can sometimes be a challenge to purchase when you don't know a person's wrist size. So, when in doubt, go for a necklace. This gold and diamond circle necklace is probably my favorite piece out of the whole Mother's Day collection. I have one in rose gold, but I also love this gold and diamond piece too. I wear my circle necklace every day, and I love that it symbolizes eternity. The love I have for my children is truly eternal, and this necklace is something any mom would be proud to wear daily just because of the message alone. The design is a stunner too.

And for the ultimate gesture, a beautiful cocktail ring will always make a woman swoon. Every woman needs a statement cocktail ring in their jewelry box. This would hands down be my choice. 

Be sure to visit Shane Co. for your next fine jewelry purchase. They guarantee quality and service every time, and they truly have beautiful pieces every woman would love.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer.

MOTHER DAUGHTER JEWELRY

Do you remember friendship bracelets? I always felt so special when I was given half of a necklace from my best friend. Well, they have mother-daughter necklaces now, and they are the perfect gift for Mother's Day. Carrie Saxl Jewelry makes beautiful necklaces and bracelets in all different shapes and metals, so I got one for Elle as a gift to us both.

When I gave it to Elle she couldn't wait to wear it. Not only did it feel special to her because it was a gift from me but because it looked like mommy's jewelry. She hasn't wanted to take it off since.

Check out Carrie's shop for other designs and styles.

Photos by Rennai Hoefer; Necklaces gifted to me for promotion.

SPARKLE WISH LIST

This post is sponsored by Shane Co.

I would by lying if I said that I didn't find myself entertaining the occasional dream of opening a mysterious small box tied with a bow on Christmas from time to time. Maybe it's because I've watched too many Christmas movies or maybe it's because "Santa Baby" has been playing on repeat in our house (Elle's Christmas recital song), but the hopeless romantic in me (and pretty much every woman I know) sure would love it. And then, at the same time, I would feel so guilty if Ryan had spent tons of money on jewels and I just got him a pair of shoes. But, Shane Co. has the best of both worlds - quality, sparkly diamonds at great prices, so there's no guilt and only pleasure. I'm sharing my personal favorites from their Toy Land Collection. Maybe between us all someone will get a mysterious little box this year. (wink, wink).

1. Diamond Crescent Moon Necklace - I've always been a minimalist when it has come to jewelry. This white gold necklace with diamonds is completely on trend and timeless all at once.

2. Triangle layered necklace - This white gold necklace gives the look of two, but is actually just one. I loooove how functional it is and that I can wear it with many things. It worked perfectly as I layered it with the diamond crescent moon.

3. Diamond Bar Earrings - These earrings are simple and modern all at once. You can dress them up or down, and wear them for years to come.

4. Diamond tennis bracelet - Sipping cocktails, hot cocoa or eggnog will look so glamorous with a diamond bracelet no doubt. This one is small and simple, and can easily be layered.

5. Infinity Bracelet - This infinity bracelet is beautiful, but has more femininity with its curves. It also has the meaning of infinite love, which would be very appropriate for married women or moms.

6. Stackable rings - Statement rings are slowly fading and simple stackable rings are taking their place. I stacked a diamond band, white gold band, and a garnet ring together for the holidays. You can do other colors like emerald or sapphire too.

For more affordable and quality gifts that sparkle and shine, be sure to visit Shane Co. online or in your city (see here for locations).

Photos by Rennai Hoefer

ACCESSORIES THAT TRAVEL WELL

Choosing which accessories to bring on a trip can be challenging. I always have a fear of losing something or having something stolen, so I tend to select jewelry that isn't too valuable. But, on the contrary, we want to look our best and dress to impress and shouldn't have to sacrifice quality and style just for the sake of travel. So, I've partnered with Shane Co. to share quality accessories that travel well and won't break the bank. And, as an added bonus, they will coordinate with every outfit you pack!

Tip 1: Cover your bases - Make sure to choose one pair of earrings, at least one bracelet or a time piece, at least one necklace (I prefer three that I can layer) and a stunning ring.

Tip 2: Stick with your metallics - Gold, silver, and rose gold go with everything. You never have to worry about whether they will match your outfit unless you wearing a gold or silver dress. 

Tip 3: Diamonds and pearls should always stay on you. If you want to wear your engagement ring or a less expensive cocktail ring in its place make sure to keep it on you at all times. Same rule applies with those diamonds studs of yours. That way you will never have to worry about them being stolen or lost.

Tip 4: Make sure all of the accessories work together. After you select you metallic, you'll want to make sure the jewelry you select is a similar style so you can mix and match on your travels. 

That's it! I guarantee that you won't be able to mess things up by just keeping it simple and planning ahead. You can shop my whole look below:

Jumpsuit from LOFT
Gold bracelet
Tear drop earrings
Diamond cluster ring
Gold layered necklace

Photos by Rennai Hoefer