With the sure-to-be trends inspired by high-profile figures such as Michelle Obama, and the unfortunate economic circumstances limiting mostt from buying new luxuries, we are poised to be creative in order to keep up with the latest in the fashion world. One of the biggest trends this season? Pins and brooches! So, raid out your grandma’s jewelry box, and get ready to reinvent those old stale pins!

Animate your Plain-Jane Wardrobe: Michelle Obama, who will undoubtedly be regarded as the highest trendsetter to hit the White House since Jackie O, plays up the brooch in a simple and safe, but fabulous way. Look for an ornamental brooch or pin to dress up a simple top or dress. You’ll be amazed at the difference one piece can make!

Dress up your Pearls: Want a way to make those old pearls look new again? Keep them fooled by accentuating the old oyster-growns with a shiny brooch. Wear it to the side, in the front, any way you want!

Wear it on your Shoulder: Placement is key in keeping the brooch from looking trendy to not-so-much. The It place of the moment? The shoulder. The season 2 finale of Mad Men showed the perfect example of the way to wear the brooch.

Refresh those Gloomy Winter Accessories: Most people dread the idea of getting out those winter hats, gloves, and scarves. We love the accessories, but hate the weather. Keep your spirits up while the temperature’s low with a nice enhancement to your cold-weather accessories. Try pinning a brooch on the cuff of your winter gloves, on your scarf, or on the side of your winter hat!

Bejewel your Hair: A great way to dress up your tresses is with a sparkly brooch. Whether it be formal or casual, for a wedding or work, putting a little bling in your bun will assure you have the freshest look in hair couture.

Ditch the Belt: Instead of using the old leather buckle, why not accent that wrap dress with a brooch? Pin it to the side, at your hip, and you’re good to go! It’s the perfect way to make an otherwise-plain dress for work a great night-on-the-town frock!

Over the years as guys pick up their engagement ring we’ve asked, “So how are you going to pop the question?”  What’s been fun is to hear the creative ideas about the task and then when she comes in for a ring cleaning to hear how well it worked.  While there are many ways to present the engagement ring (ask to see the book we have in the store – 125 pages of advice on presenting jewelry with romantic imagination) there is one rule that we’ve found to be critical.  Always be sure that you as a couple have “private” time and space so you both can enjoy the moment!  If you are in a public place (a park, mountain top, hiking trail) that place becomes a significant site for years to come.  Unless you as a couple enjoy crowds, presenting the ring at a party or in a restaurant limits the reaction. The time to enjoy one another is critical as once the ring is on her finger family & friends are very good at bombarding you with questions:  when’s the wedding, where, who’s in the party….

“Sam and I have been so pleased with all our experiences at Joint Venture Jewelers. When we decided to redesign my engagement ring for our 40 th wedding anniversary, it was Donna Hankin who helped us come up with a very unique and beautiful design.”

“It was also at Joint Venture that I found a beautiful David Yurman necklace. Donna later called my husband when the matching bracelet came in. What a surprise that was!”

Jan and Sam Koret

As many of you are aware we’ve got longtime connections with jeweler’s row in Philadelphia. In my next visit I want to be sure to look for the items you have on your wish list – just let me know. I have already scheduled a meeting with a 3^rd generation estate dealer to look specifically for pieces that date back to the early 1900’s. I hope to find some “statement” necklaces as that’s what the fashion industry is projecting as a hot trend for the spring. In addition, I’ve been in touch with a precious metals dealer that reports to have come across a “lot” of reasonably prices earrings and pendants. Keep checking our website as we’ll be sure to post new arrivals and special collections from this trip.

More of us are concerned about our environment today then ever before.  Examples of eco-friendly jewelry include recycled precious metals, fair trade gems, conflict free diamonds, and antique/vintage elements redesigned.  In fact, buying “pre-owned” jewelry is the ultimate in recycling!  We have been very excited about our capability to redesign jewelry for clients especially looking for “green” jewelry.  Very often we utilize scrap gold or platinum and design “new to you” pieces of jewelry with gem stones that have been around for generations.  Let’s all take the lead in being responsible for our future while enjoying and treasuring jewelry with meaning.