Newly Released, “The Great Gatsby” starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Carey Mulligan, brings the lavish lifestyle of the roaring twenties back to life. The Jazz Age, also known as the roaring twenties has seen a certain resurgence due to the anticipate release of this movie. The era is commonly known as Art Deco in the jewelry industry. This name is derived from the Exposition International des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes, which was held in Paris in 1925. The style of the time was highly influenced by the art of this time, which is characterized by Cubist and Fauve movements. Geometric patterns and colors were thus the hot trend during this time.

The movie features vintage art deco rings, dangling jewels, bold cufflinks, and of course plenty of diamonds and pearls. While Gatsby may be set in the past, the vintage looks of the pieces are timeless. If you love the Art Deco inspired jewelry here at AmRhein’s we have an extensive collection of estate pieces from this time period that the ever glamorous Jay Gatsby and Daisy Buchanan would have worn. Our Estate Jewelry Collection includes cases of estate jewels in various precious metals, with diamonds, pearls, and colored gemstones.

Spring has hit hard this year for the wedding circuit, and it has seen brides adding color in new and exciting ways into their weddings. So, I thought it would be interesting to look at the color trends for this spring, fall, and winter.

This spring the colors to use are: Nectarine, African Violet, and Poppy Red. An interesting way to incorporate the Nectarine into your wedding is to have it nestled into the bride’s bouquet. If you have Nectarine died roses nestled in with white roses it creates a bold contrast that draws the eyes.

A great way to add the African Violet color into your wedding is on the wedding cake. It’s a piece that is seen by all the guest, and if you have your cake decorator add tiny African violet embellishments they will stand out against the stark white on the cake.

If you want to be a unique bride the poppy red can help you with that. Add a poppy red accessory with your white dress to add dimension to your wedding.

Since these are spring colors, and having each of the paired with white will make them stand out and seem less dense. You don’t want your spring wedding to feel heavy especially if it’s outside in the open fresh air.

For the fall your colors are Rhapsody, which is a lavender color, Honey Gold, and French Roast. Each of these are very rich colors and will add the depth of fall into your wedding.

A great place to add color is in your invitations. Rhapsody is just subtle enough to use on the invitation. It’s very elegant and gives the invitations a sophisticatedlook.

The French Roast is also a great color to use on your invitations. If you have the text in the dark brown color of the French Roast, and offset with an old yellow for the paper this will give it a contrast. It will have your guest expecting a warm cozy romantic ceremony and reception.

The Honey Gold color is great to use on your tables. If you’re going more for a regal type of wedding, use this color in your plates and silverware with red cloth napkins. The guests will feel like they are dining with the queen, and who is to say they aren’t. It’s your wedding.

For the winter the choice colors are Blush, Butter, and Pewter. The Pewter is great if you want to keep your wedding in that wintery feel because it’s such a dark color, and many associate silver with winter. The Blush and Butter are better if you want to make your wedding a soft winter wedding, and they can be used together.

The most popular place that Pewter is making its appearance is in the bride’s maids’ dresses. There perfect if you want a large amount of the Pewter color to be displayed, and it will presented right up front at the alter, so all the guests will be able to see it.

The Blush is making its way into the groom and groom’s men attire. The most popular place to have this colored debuted is in the tie, vest, or handkerchief. It adds just enough subtle color change from the white for guests to notice, and it adds depth to the bridal party.

The Butter color is a subtle yellow, and again if you’re a bride that wants to add something to her own attire this would be the best color to use because of its subtleness. Use it in your shoes because when guests get a hint of color just below your hemline they will be hooked, and will ask to see your shoes. And again, it’s your big day all eyes should be on you.

Each of these colors are expected to make their debut somewhere in a wedding, and they add excitement and spice to any old ceremony or reception. They draw the eye and create a newfound style for the bride, groom, and bridal party. Add some depth to your wedding, and see what colors are out there and how you can incorporate them into your wedding.

With spring in full bloom several brides are keeping busy in planning a dream summer wedding. Summer we would like to share some popular trends for 2013, that will sure to leave a lasting impression.

Mint
Wedding colors are a vital part of the planning process. Mint is a popular choice for 2013. The color is calming and elegant. Mint can harmonize with an assortment of colors, such as salmon for a feminine touch, yellow for a retro vibe, and grey to make the look more modern.

Non-white wedding
Another popular wedding trend for the summer is changing up the color of the bride’s dress, several bold brides have stepped away from the norm but this idea of a non-white wedding dress has really taken off. This trend is for those are looking to make their wedding more personal with a pop of color. Depending on your own style preference you can choose a dazzling dress or follow this trend by adding color with design elements, like beading, embroidery, or lace.

Rainbow hues
For those brides having trouble choosing the accent color for you wedding, why limit yourself to just one? An additional trend for summer weddings is to incorporate an array of colors. Weddings are no longer bound by traditional color combinations, and summer is the perfect season to wear bright colors. The larger your bridal party the more your imagination can run wild with this fun trend!

Are you feeling lucky?

So, St. Patrick’s Day is fast approaching, and if you’re one of the more adventurous of nature, you may be attempting traditional Irish cuisine for the holiday. Well, good luck to you, because you are a lot braver than me.

You may also be thinking about drinks to go along with these Irish meals. Well, that’s all fine and good, if you like beer. But what if you don’t? What if you are inclined towards wine? There are Irish wines, but what if you can’t make it to Ireland to get your wine? Don’t fret we can offer some suggestions of AmRhein’s Wines to pair with three traditional Irish dishes … or, you know, to wash the bad taste out of your mouth after the failed attempt.

The first traditional Irish dish we will look at is Coddle. Now for those of you who aren’t Irish, cultured or make your dinners in the microwave, Coddle consists of layers of roughly sliced pork sausages and rashers. Rashers are thinly sliced and somewhat fatty back bacon. The layers are alternated with sliced potatoes and onions. The barley is optional, but is yummy, so why not add that to your dish. Now Coddle is the famous dish of Dublin, and Jonathan Swift was quite fond of it. Also, the poet James Joyce has mentioned it in a couple of his works.

The wine you want with this dish is an easy-drinking red wine, given that the main meat of the dish is pork. Our wine maker, Seth, suggests picking up a bottle of AmRhein’s Chambourcin because it’s not hard on the tannins, and it’s not heavy on the oak.

Our next dish is Shepard’s Pie! This is one of my favorite Irish dishes … although, I’m sure the way my mom makes it is a little less than traditional given that she’s Polish. Shepard’s Pie was originally called Cottage Pie because the term “Shepard’s Pie” didn’t appear until 1877. It was called Cottage Pie because the main ingredient being the potato was popularly associated with the poorer households at the time. The potatoes make up the crust that cradles the meat pie inside. The meat can be anything from beef to venison. For a healthy Shepard’s Pie, try using ground turkey instead of the redder meats.

The wine that will go best with this is the AmRhein’s Veranda. This wine is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Verdot, and Verlot. Unlike the Chambourcin, the Veranda has bigger tannins, thanks in part to the Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon. Also, there is a bigger amount of oak in the wine. The fat that is in the meat (should you choose to go the unhealthy route) and the cheese (should you choose to add cheese) will be cut by the tannins and will make your drinking and eating experience smooth.

The last dish we looked at was Irish Stew. This stew is traditionally made from lamb or mutton, potatoes, onions, and parsley. If you’re big on vegetables, you can add carrots. It is a big, hearty meal that definitely sticks to the ribs.

We have two wines at AmRhein’s that will work best with this dish: Aglianico of Sauvignon Blanc. These wines have bigger flavors that can cut through the natural gaminess that comes with the lamb and mutton. The Sauvignon Blanc has enough acid to cut through this flavor in the right way in order for you to experience all of the flavors in the stew.

Don’t forget, you can also craft your wineglasses green in the spirit of St. Patty’s Day. This helps when you’re trying to get dressed as well because then you don’t have to worry about wearing anything green – you’ll be holding something green.

All of AmRhein’s Wines are available at the winery tasting room, AmRhein’s Fine Jewelry stores in Roanoke and in Salem, Mr. Bill’s Wine Cellar, Wine Gourmet, and numerous other grocery stores and wine shops. Check us out!

The recently released films Liz & Dick and Anna Karenina illustrate the lives of women who depict historical fashion trends. Their jewels mark them as legendary figures in Hollywood and literary works. The story of Elizabeth Taylor and literary figure Anna Karenina are told with the same charm as their amazing jewelry.

The iconic Elizabeth Taylor is known for her thriving Hollywood career and beautiful diamond jewelry. Her marriage to Richard Burton, who many say was Taylor’s one true love, contributed to her collection of renowned jewels.

The story of the famous Krupp Diamond began with its original owner, Vera Krupp, who was the wife of Alfred Krupp. The Krupp family was known for their German steel making and arms manufacturing company, Krupp AG, during World War I.

The 33.19-carat Asscher cut diamond was involved in a Las Vegas jewel heist, which was eventually solved by the FBI and the diamond returned to its rightful owner. After the death of Vera Krupp, the diamond ring was sold at an auction in 1968. As a gift for Taylor, Burton paid $305,000 for the ring, the highest price paid for a diamond ring at that time.

Her most famous gem was also purchased by Burton in 1969. The Taylor-Burton Diamond is a 69.42-carat pear-shaped diamond that was auctioned for over $1 million. Originally set in a ring, Taylor asked Cartier to design a necklace for the diamond due to its heavy size.After her divorce from Burton in 1978, Taylor sold the diamond for $5 million after she announced that she would use the proceeds to build a hospital in Botswana.

The Tolstoy novel-turned film, Anna Karenina, was set in late 19^th century Russia. Anna is depicted with jewels and gems galore as an aristocrat of high-society.  Old world opulence is shown through the fashions of Anna, played by Kiera Knightly.

All of the jewelry worn by Knightly was real! The movie used about $2.5 million worth of diamonds, pearls and rubies that were donated by the famous Chanel Joaillerie. Drop earrings and multi strand pears mark Anna with the luxury and vanity that she portrayed throughout the movie. Feeling inspired by Anna’s look? Try these stunning dangle earrings or drop gem and pearl earrings– all available at AmRhein’s!

Dressing for the holidays is too often a predictable task—the red and green ensemble or black on black cold winter day look can be redundant. After countless festive events, ideas can run slim for party attire by the New Year. Texture and neutral tones mixed with shine and shimmer offer great alternative options to the festive Christmas colors ensemble or the little black go-to dress.

Glitter and sequins are a hit this year, especially during the winter months. These shiny accents add personality to any outfit. Even if you’re not a fan of a total sequin dress, glimpses of shine are just as captivating! Colorful lace is also popular and can enhance the traditional red or green dress. If your holiday gathering is less formal and more casual, lace is a great way to look classy and fabulous!

For a more comfortable option, cashmere is a great material for cold winter evenings. This soft fabric is great as a cardigan to wear over your fancy frock or even as a scarf to wear to a casual holiday celebration. Soft velvet is also popular during the cold season. Paired with heavier more comfy fabrics such as these, a tartan plaid pattern is perfect for winter and adds just the right amount of holiday spirit!

Neutral tones paired with shimmery styles are trending this winter. Shiny black, champagne and metallic colors, such as matte gold and bronze, are not just for accessories–these glam color choices make for a sophisticated yet edgy approach to the monochromatic outfit. Add champagne mixed with glitter or bronze paired with shiny black to make the perfect versatile holiday outfit that you can wear from December into the New Year! If you’re feeling daring, try a creamy winter white and pair the cozy color with elements such as black lace or gold.

Whether you’re attending an office, formal or casual holiday party, there are so many ways to create the perfect look. Don’t reach for the same drab outfit when there is lace, metallic and cashmere ready to spruce up your holiday attire!

What’s shiny, precious and found inside a little red box? A diamond ring of course! This rock of choice will be facilitating engagements everywhere this holiday season.

India is responsible for discovering and mining the first ever diamond. As early as 4^th century BC, the diamond became a valued material that would continue to be used for years to come in European regalia and royal jewelry. Think you love diamonds? In the 13^th century, King Louis IX of France established a law reserving diamonds only for himself! Seen as a major asset to high-ranking individuals, the diamond represented value, much in the same way it does today.

Once believed to ensure fidelity and strengthen emotional bonds, diamond rings have been used as a symbol of love for hundreds of years in the form of the engagement ring. This tradition of wearing an engagement ring on the left ring finger originated in Greece, where citizens believed that the vena amoris, a vein located in that finger, was a direct line to the heart.

Prior to the conventional route of finding your mate before the engagement ring, men in the middle ages would keep a ring tied to their hats that they would give to their chosen wife once she was found. These rings often had love poems and other messages inscribed inside. One of the first recorded uses of a diamond engagement ring was Archduke Maximilian of Austria to Mary of Burgundy in 1477. This ring was set with thin, flat pieces of diamonds in the shape of an “M.”

Thanks to the early diamond trade from India and the death of Louis IX, you are able to not only freely sport the shiny rock, but to choose exactly how you want your diamond to look. The perfect diamond shape can come in many different forms. Today, the round diamond in a halo setting is very popular among engagement ring buyers.

Round  Oval   Marquise  Pear

Heart   Emerald   Princess

According to a recent article in the Wall Street Journal, a new trend is that of colored diamonds. In particular, yellow is the new color of luxury. There is only one yellow diamond for every 10,000 white diamonds in the world! Next to yellow, pink and black diamonds are becoming increasingly sought-after colors.

After choosing the perfect diamond, the setting of the stone can make any engagement ring unique. Typically white gold, platinum or palladium is used, however with the current mixed-metal trend, there is a rise in statement-making, two-tone engagement rings!  The traditional band is also being replaced with floral details and vintage-inspired designs that include rose gold for an antique look.

An engagement ring can be one of the most important and longest-worn pieces of jewelry for any woman. The ring should be the perfect one for you, whether trendy or traditional. Forever and always, diamonds are a girl’s best friend!

Photos from http://www.thediamondbuyingguide.com/diamondshapes.html

The forecast is calling for shiny stacks, mixed metals and custom creations. This fall, jewelry fashion trends take a leap of faith heading into the New Year.

Are you having a difficult time deciding whether gold or silver best match your outfit? Don’t worry! According to this season’s jewelry fashion, mixed metals are the new solution. Whether it’s the go-to gold and silver or even a combination with brass or copper, different tones can complement a look. Another rising trend is that of rose gold. This beautiful pale pink looks great when paired with just about anything and shines when combined with other metals. The rose gold phenomena originated thanks to its increasing popularity in watch styles. Among men and women alike, a two-tone watch is an accessory that represents a timeless sophisticated addition to a dressed-up or dressed-down look. Quickly gaining in popularity, bridal jewelry is also saying “I DO” to rose gold. Paired with the perfect diamond, pink is the new white this season.

Another rising style in the world of fashion jewelry is custom creations. Your personality or interests can shine in a unique, custom piece. This trend is especially convenient for the holiday shopper; everyone loves to wear something personalized and one-of-a-kind! Fun motifs in the form of charms and stones as well as custom designed pieces can really highlight a person’s individuality and represent that which means most to them.

Bright summer colors will be packed away with the transition into fall’s neutrals, flesh tones and earthy colors. Blue-black and dark greens are also on the rise with baubles, beads and geometric components giving way to more statement making opportunities. Want to make your accessories a little wilder? Choose the stingray skin! This trendy leather is making way through necklace chains and cuff bracelets with a pebbly texture that looks similar to small pearl clusters. Highly durable and offered in a variety of colors and styles, stingray skin will make a great addition to an outfit in need of some character.

Layering accessories is a fun way to mix up an outfit. Creating a stack of arm jewelry gives you more options when your favorite pieces just can’t be narrowed down. Although this trend sounds easy, making it possible to mix and match colors and designs, be careful! Too much accessorizing can lead to a gaudy arm. Focus on different pieces that complement each other as well as your individual look.

With the approaching holiday season, jewelry is a great leeway into the brainstorming of ideas for the gift-givers everywhere. Already found that flawless metal, just the right stone or vintage one-of-a-kind piece? Choose AmRhein’s Fine Jewelry layaway option to make your holiday shopping experience one that you can look forward to year after year, without the extra baggage in your wallet!

It’s wedding season! Not only are you in a mad rush to shop for presents, but you’ve got to figure out the perfect outfit for each one. Here’s a look at the different types of settings for a wedding, and what the current fashion trends are for guests.

Timeless Attire – Think of looks that are chic and always in style. For her: the little black dress, especially for an evening wedding, is always in style. For him: a dark suit with a shirt and tie, or a tuxedo for a formal wedding, is always classic.

Trendy Attire – Is there a theme for the wedding? It could be anything from a backyard barbecue or a Gatsby-inspired party. For her: sundresses with trendy shoes, such as cowboy boots, or a Roaring 20s styled dress, to match the theme. For him: khakhi pants with cowboy boots and hat, or a double breasted “zoot suit,” to match the theme.

Casual Daytime Wedding – For her: cottons, linens and knits. Something comfortable but fashionable. A spring dress is always a great option. Flats and wedges are a good choice if the wedding or reception will be outdoors. If wearing heels, consider heel covers to keep from sinking into the ground and to protect your shoes. For him: a light colored suit. Linen and seersucker are great options. A shirt and tie with khakis is also acceptable.

Beach Wedding – For her: cottons, linens, chiffon, or other lightweight material. Flat sandals or flip flops are the best choice on the sand. For him: linen or seersucker suit, and stick with light colors.

Church Wedding – For her: a dress with a sleeve to cover the shoulders. If wearing a sleeveless dress, wear a wrap to cover the shoulders during the ceremony (this is usually required for a Catholic wedding) that can be removed during the reception. For him: depending upon the formality of the wedding, a suit with a shirt and tie, or a shirt and tie with slacks, is appropriate.

Evening Outdoor Wedding – For her: a cocktail dress or dressy suit in darker colors like jewel tones (emerald, cobalt, navy, purple) or black. Avoid beads or sequins unless the invitation says “black tie.” For him: Black or other dark suit with a shirt and tie.

Formal Evening Wedding – If the invitation says formal, then that means “black tie.” For her: formal dress. Sequins and beading are acceptable. For him: tuxedo.

We hope this has been helpful for you! Always aim for the “happy medium,” and remember, the important thing is that you’re there to celebrate this happy occasion with the bride and groom! Cheers!