One-of-a Kind Designer Jewelry

Blues and lavenders continue to be popular colors that carry over from the Fall Fashion Collections. In addition to these you will find yellows and greens, especially bright greens like those found in jade. Of course, neutrals and reds are always popular.

However, change is in the air. Jewelry is influenced by the global and exotic and will be the one new fashion piece you want for the spring. You will see larger pieces this year, especially those with larger gemstones. This will be the best way to update your wardrobe.

Necklaces will be big and bold with rich colors. You'll also see large chunky bracelets that will stand out. And look for exotic and ethnic inspired pieces with an Asian influence. Jewelry isn't just about style anymore, designs containing symbolism and special meaning are becoming more and more popular. These "personalized" items are considered more valuable, as they are more tailor-made for the individual.

Don't be afraid to wear the one-of-a-kind piece that will set you off from the crowd. The bigger and more unusual piece the better. Why? These pieces can be worn in the evening with a gown or a simple black dress, and during the day to dress up a pair of jeans. You can even wear these exotic pieces with prints. This versatility in a piece of jewelry allows you to buy less and enjoy it more.

In addition, unusual pieces of jewelry add drama and visual interest to your clothes and will make a simple outfit stand out. Imagine - adding new items to your wardrobe that you don't even have to wash!

You probably have seen jade used in many jewelry pieces, such as necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and pendants. But did you know why jade is so popularly used in jewelry?

Many people believe that jade has healing properties, and that wearing a piece of jade can positively affect the wearer's health. From a medical and health-related point of view, jade has been considered as one of the best semi-precious stones having holistic benefits. This stone represents peace and love and the bestowing of intelligence, contentment and courage.

And no, jade doesn't have to be green. You may be surprised at how many shades of jade exist - like a lavender jade dragon, a golden jade deer or a red jade dragon bat - oooohhh!

Worn by Imperial families for centuries, jade is a very spiritual stone. It has a variety of meanings, having been called the jewel of heaven, the stone of immortality, a symbol of purity and is believed to embody the five cardinal virtues: charity, modesty, courage, justice and wisdom.

From cloudy white to golden brown, light to dark green, to rare lavender, this most highly prized Asian stone is of many shades. It has a glossy semi-transparent appearance and it is smooth to the touch. Yet it is a very hard stone and therefore, can be carved into intricate designs and made into beautiful jade jewelry.

Jade is treasured for its magical powers to increase life span, cure all ailments and ward off evil spirits. No wonder jade is worn or carried by all Chinese.

Genuine jade is always cool to the touch; for this reason it has been compared to the skin of a beautiful woman. It is symbolic of purity.

Jade is also the most highly prized stone in the Orient. It has been called the jewel of heaven, the stone of immortality and the substance of rainbows. It is believed to embody the five cardinal virtues: charity, modesty, courage, justice and wisdom.

Carried or worn as a talisman, the Chinese believe that when handled something of this secret virtue of jade will be absorbed into the body. It will also bring tranquility and harmony to the wearer.

Jade carved in the form of animals of the zodiac are popular carvings - each a powerful symbol with special meaning. The jade dragon, a symbol of rebirth, success and good fortune, the fish, symbolic of prosperity, and the lotus and gourd symbols of long life and prosperity are sought after pieces.

The Chinese Dragon is a symbol of protection and success and represents good luck - but did you know that there are 9 kinds of dragons?

These dragons control the rain, rivers, lakes and seas. Being the divine mythical animal, the dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits and protect the innocent. Chinese symbols bring deep meaning to jewelry.

No wonder why people wear Chinese dragon jewelry to bring them good luck and protection. Even the smallest dragon can be carved into a ring or apair of earrings.

Japanese artists invented the miniature sculptures known as netsuke as early as the 17th Century to serve a very practical function. Traditional Japanese kimonos or robes had no pockets.

The men who wore them needed a place to keep their personal belongings such as pipes, tobacco, money, seals, or medicines. These were placed in small pouches or containers hung by cords from the robes' sash or belt.

A popular pouch was the box (inro) held closed by a small sliding bead (ojimi). A toggle secured the container was a toggle called a netsuke. The netsuke were carved of wood, bone or ivory and often reflected Japanese folklore and aspects of Japanese life. Interestingly, the people, professions, animals and designs that netsuke display are reflections of the society and time period in which they were created. The small figures of lucky gods and animals were most popular during the Edo period in Japan (1615-1868).

Today these unusual and intriguing objects are carved in Japan and China and command high prices of up to $100,000 or more and can be found at auctions and museums. Because of the current embargo on elephant ivory, they are carved of mammoth tusk ivory and hippotooth ivory as well as wood and bone. Since mammoth tusk and hippotooth are harder substances the carvings can be much more intricate.

These one-of-a-kind designs are beautiful to wear, making a fashion statement all by themselves. In jewelry, netsuke are understandably collectors' items as well, which explains why they are such sought-after pieces.

Unique, one-of-a-kind jewelry is priceless, especially if it is custom-designed and personalized exclusively for you.


Custom Jewelry Designer Carol Barrett does just that. She will design a customized piece specifically for you - or you can choose from her selection of already-designed one of a kind necklaces, bracelets, earrings, rings and pendants. Many of which can be matching sets (perfect for wedding, birthday, anniversary or holiday gifts!)

All designs are handmade. They are handcrafted from genuine gemstones, carved bone and ivory and many include antiques and artifacts.

There is symbolic meaning behind most necklaces. If you are familiar with Chinese astrology or the Chinese Zodiac Signs, you'll recognize the animals and symbols found in Carol Barrett Jewelry. Whether you are looking for an item that represents success, money, luck, loyalty, friendship, marriage, power, strength. wisdom, longevity or immortality - or simply a beautiful piece of carved jade or rare mammoth ivory, you can find a jewelry design that provides deep meaning for you or a loved one.

Carol Barrett has been designing and selling jewelry since 1989. Formerly of Gemini Jewelry, she has created necklaces worn by celebrities sold in well-known stores throughout the USA. Now, you are able to peruse her designs online and even order custom designed jewelry directly from her website.

The Chinese Zodiac consists of 12 animals. The calendar and it's animals were created from an ancient legend. The animals used in Chinese astrology are rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. People born during their cycle are said to take on their animal traits.

Incorporating these Chinese zodiac signs or animals into jewelry can give depth and meaning to the piece, such as the dragon, who is powerful and lucky - or the dog, who is loyal and intelligent - or the monkey, who is witty and charming.

The symbolism of this necklace is similar to that of the jewelry above. The carved jade centerpiece features both the fish and the lotus, except in a subtle shade of lavender and a soft, smooth carving.

The necklace also includes as strand of unique amethyst lace beads which match the femininity of the carved fish and lotus. Click here to get more information >> Lavender Jade Fish Necklace

How about a green jade fish on a black leather cord. This green jade fish necklace also contains a uniquely-colored boylon handblown glass bead which attaches to the mouth of the fish.

The fish represents prosperity, persistence and abundance. It is also believed to symbolize the
advantage in business. Any business owner can appreciate the symbolism of this fine swimmer.

Jade comes in a variety of colors, including lavender, white, red, blue, gold and green.

- Golden Jade Fish Pin and Pendant
- Green Jade Fish Earrings
- Jade Fish & Lodalite Bracelet

To see more, view the following jewelry collections: designer jade necklaces and jade cord necklaces, all one-of-a-kind pieces.

What an interesting multi-colored fu dog carving as the centerpiece of this one-of-a-kind necklace! This piece of jewelry includes a strand of gorgeous faceted citrine beads to match.

As mentioned above, the fu dog is the guardian of the temples and homes in Asia. It is symbolic of friendship and loyalty. The perfect gift of friendship.

Click Carved Jade Fu Dog Necklace to get more information or see more Custom Designer Jewelry here.

Here is a unique carved green jade frog necklace combined with several genuine aquamarine and jade beads.

The frog, or heavenly chicken, is symbolic of happiness, good luck, longevity and prosperity. The frog is believed to promote pleasant dreams. Is an emblem of spring and abundant rain. It is symbolic of prosperity, happiness, good luck and fertility. In Korea a dream of a frog is a sign that a son will be born. The gourd is symbolic of longevity

Click on the photo to find out more about this jewelry.

With more of a round shape this carved lapis dragon cord necklace is also a one-of-a-kind necklace. The speckled blue stone and variety of shades throughout the carving make it very unique.

Matching lapis earrings are also available, to complete a very unique look. Click here for more information: Carved Lapis Dragon Necklace.

To see more, view the following jewelry collections:
designer semiprecious cord necklaces all one-of-a-kind
pieces.

The symbolism of this necklace is similar to that of the jewelry above. The carved jade centerpiece features both the fish and the lotus, except in a subtle shade of lavender and a soft, smooth carving.

The necklace also includes as strand of unique amethyst lace beads which match the femininity of the carved fish and lotus.

For more information: Lavender Jade Fish Necklace