Karen Samuel and Coco

Karen Samuel and Coco
I have a Passion for Crystal

About Me

Hi, my name is Karen Samuel, and I have been designing and selling Jewelry for more than 35 years. I am a Canadian, now living in the USA. The picture is me, taken some years ago with my dog Coco. This stylized photo was done as an advertisement for my five retail stores. I was making fabulous jewelry - Gorgeous Cascading Earrings, Necklaces, and Bracelets, using Swarovski hand cut crystals in a jumble of brightly colored beads. I wanted people to know how unique and exciting we were. Each store was quite distinctive, all Glass and Lucite, reflecting the Jewelry to it’s best advantage, like a jewel box filled with wonderful treasures. They were the first of their kind, and like those stores of the past, An Occasional Piece is a virtual jewel box, with special treasures waiting just for you.

Semi-Precious Stones & Swarovski Crystal

Mixed Metals & Sterling Silver


Designer Jewelry from around the world

One of a Kind & Limited Editions


Opalite and Pearl Bracelet

Opalite and Pearl Bracelet
Opalite and Freshwater Pearl with Sterling Silver

Pear Shell with Liquid Silver

Pear Shell with Liquid Silver
Pear Shell with Sterling Silver

Monday, June 16, 2008

Necklace Lengths

Collar
Usually worn high on the neck, they measure 10 – 13 inches in length and generally 2 – 2 1/2 Inches wide, often 3 or more rows of beads. These collars are reminiscent of the early 1900's – the Victorian Age of opulence and elegance, but have gained popularity in recent years. They are worn mostly with formal attire.

Choker
A choker is worn sitting comfortably at the base of the neck with the length somewhere between 15 – 18 inches long. This classic, versatile length is so easy to wear ~ it works with all necklines.

Princess
The princess necklace is 17 – 19 inches in length. This length looks great with crew, high or plunging necklines ~ also a wonderful length for a drop or pendant.


Matinee

A matinee necklace is 20 – 24 inches. A standard length for pearls. Also an easy length to wear with suits or business attire.


Opera

The opera necklace is the “queen” of all the lengths. When worn as a single strand, it is refined and perfect for high or crew necklines. When doubled it serves as a versatile two strand choker. Traditionally, this 30 inch necklace is the most common length of all the necklaces.


Rope

The rope varies in length from 40 – 48 inches in length. It oozes charm and elegance ~ in fact this was a fashion favorite worn by fashion icon Coco Chanel.


Lariat


A lariat comes in many lengths, but the longer it is, the more graceful and versatile it will be. The lariat is a wrap-around style which can be knotted or looped. Depending on the design, this style can be classic or trendy. Fun to wear, be creative.