Currently Craving: Jewelry That Rocks

When I hear words like labradorite, chrysoprase, pyrite, topaz and drusy my heart skips a beat. These gems rock...especially in jewelry. As of late I've been completely crushing on the natural stones - in earrings, pendants, bracelets...you name it.

And thankfully (or not so much according to hubs), I've spotted more than a fair share of these gorgeous gems in Charlotte. I've found a lovely display of Coralia Leets at City Art Works - incredible necklaces and vermeil earrings, like this one - a pale Peruvian opal.

Photo via City Art Works

And one of my faves, Laura James Jewelry also has an array of rockin' baubles ranging from subtle pyrite studs to this ah-mazing chrysoprase vintage chain necklace. Hey Santa - I wouldn't mind this bauble for Christmas. Just sayin'...

Photo via Laura James Jewelry

Do you like to rock out with your gems? 

Here's a set to satisfy those sparkly ambitions...

Earrings by Ettinger UK
Rings at Endless.com

Local Love: Laura James Jewelry & A Giveaway!

There are few things I love more than jewelry. Just ask my mother. As a tyke I would pile on strands upon strands of necklaces, throw on some earrings and paraded my arms with jelly bracelets way before stacks of bangles were hot.

Years ago when I moved to Charlotte I spent a good amount of time exploring the local boutique scene. While Charlotte certainly has its share of shopping, Laura James Jewelry shines...in more ways than one!

Yes, this local Charlotte shop, owned by the eponymous Laura James, crafts gorgeous gem creations. Laura uses many stunning vintage items in her pieces - ranging from Swarovski crystals to brass chains. She's even used a few crystals from a vintage chandelier - you can check out that stunner right here! And her new couture collection is absolutely drool worthy. Let me wipe down my keyboard. All photos are courtesy of Laura James Jewelry.

When I asked Laura, who is just as sweet as talented as can be, about fall jewelry trends she was more than happy to share the following...

Jewel tones – Especially deep purple, vibrant emerald, and stunning sapphire shades.

Collar necklaces – Statement pieces that accessorize your neck like no other necklace could.

Mixed metals – Pyrite, gold, silver, rose gold, vermeil...it's all pretty and it all works together with ease.

With all that said, there are two super exciting items you need to consider...

1) Once per month, Laura James Jewelry (online and in-store) hosts a "Chic Sprint" – a one day only sale, where one webpage full of jewelry is offered for 50% off. For serious. And you won't know about the Chic Sprint until the morning of. Want to get on the notification list? Sign up here.

A little birdy told me that Chic Sprint starts TODAY. Woot...get to it and shop happy on the Chic Sprint page! These beauties go fast.

2) Laura is offering a giveaway to the fabulous CCC readers! These precious whistle earrings could be yours!

To enter this giveaway, do the following by Monday, October 3 at 12:00 midnight EST:

• One entry: Leave a comment at the bottom of this post with your email address and your favorite Laura James Jewelry item. 
• One additional entry: Tweet about this giveaway and leave a separate comment letting me know you did so...and your Twitter handle so I can follow you!

Good luck and happy shopping! 

Murphy's Law - It's Giveaway Time!

Hi everyone!

As promised, I wanted to announce Coley's Closet Cravings' very first giveaway! But before we get to the goods, I really, really want to share a bit about the lovely and adorable jewelry designer, Kathleen Murphy.

I met Kathleen through local (and incredibly stylish) Charlotte boutique Scout & Molly's - where I work a few weekend days per month. Kathleen has a whole table of her gorgeous designs there and I have been enamored with them for months. MONTHS!

I have purchased countless pieces and I am only more in love with her designs after getting to know her. Kathleen is a ball of sunshine, super talented and hilarious to boot. Her jewelry is fun, light-weight and oh-so-trendy. It's also affordable! Since most of you live outside the Charlotte area and can't see Kathleen's work in person, you can visit her site right here and buy, buy away! I highly, and I mean highly, recommend her gorgeous jewelry.

So, it is with great pleasure that I announce my very first giveaway - the following gorgeous necklace from Murphy Jewelry!

I'm sure you want to know...how do I get a chance to win this stunner?!

Here are the rules...

You will receive one entry by...

• Following my blog - just clickity click over to the right if you're not already a follower...AND
• Visiting Kathleen's site, http://www.murphyjewelry.com/, and within your comment state your favorite piece! Please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win.

You will receive an additional one entry by...

• Tweeting about this giveaway. Please direct the tweet to @coleyscloset and post a link to the tweet in a separate comment below.

You will receive an additional two entries by...

• Posting on your blog about this giveaway. Again, please make sure you submit a separate comment with a link to the blog post.

Other deets...

• Duplicate, incomplete and false entries will be discarded
• All comments (entries) must be posted no later than Sunday, June 13 11:59 p.m. EST

On Monday, June 14 I will use random.org to generate a winner! Good luck! I have no doubt that the lucky winner will loooove this piece!