Rhumba! Item of the Week

Even though we love every piece of jewelry for sale on Rhumba! Jewelry, every so often we like to showcase one of our 6,000+ items, and tell you why we love it so much.

This week we feature this lovely item:
Purple Aurora Borealis Crystal & Bead Black Elastic Cord Stretch Bracelet




What it is: Aurora Borealis metallic purple briolette crystals and matte silver tone beads woven into black elastic cord.

Why we love it: Seriously, what's not to love? First of all, we've never seen anything quite like this bracelet before. It's a fresh, new look that compliments any style. Wear it to the office, wear it with your jeans, wear it with your little black dress. It practically goes with everything! Secondly, the metallic sheen of the purple briolette crystals is so eye-catching and unique - we think the metallic crystal look is going to be the next movement in accessory trends. Lastly, purple is a hot Fall color, but this piece is so fashion-forward, it has the fashion mileage to last several seasons! Did I mention, WE LOVE THIS BRACELET? ;)

The Cutest Rhumba Dog - Contestant #3!

Meet Ube (we're told it's pronounced Ooh-bay), a Boston Terrier. His mama Missy says he can be kind of a "Boston Terror" sometimes, but with a face like that, he can get away with anything. :)

Do you think Ube is the cutest Rhumba! dog? Vote for him by adding a comment below!

Check out all the cutest Rhumba! dog contestants by clicking here!

The Cutest Rhumba Dog - Contestant #2!

Meet Pretty - she's a Japanese Chin who can't wait for Halloween! Her mama Rachel took this picture of her in her bee costume. :)

Think Pretty's the cutest Rhumba! dog? Vote for her by adding a comment below!

Check out all the cutest Rhumba! dog contestants by clicking here!

The Cutest Rhumba Dog - Contestant #1!

This cutie's name is Lucky Fellow. He's a miniature poodle. His mama Nancy calls him the joy of her life. :)

Vote for Lucky Fellow for the cutest Rhumba! dog by adding a comment below!

Check out all the cutest Rhumba! dog contestants by clicking here!

The Cutest Rhumba Dog Contest!

Do you have the cutest dog EVER?

Everyone feels their dog is cuter than any other dog.

Let's put it to the test!

Send us your cutest canine picture and you could win a FREE rhinestone dog bone pin or necklace!

E-mail your cutest picture to rhumbajewelry@gmail.com.

> Your doggie's picture will be posted to the blog.

> You and your friends can vote once daily by adding comments to the picture.

> The picture with the most comments wins!

Send us the cutest picture of your puppy now!

Looking for doggie jewels? Visit our Poodle & Dog Jewelry Gallery!

Contest runs from October 4, 2010 to November 1, 2010. The winner will be determined by the number of comments posted under the dog's picture on www.rhumbajewelry.blogspot.com. Entrants must own the rights to their image. Sending a picture grants Rhumba! Jewelry permission to use and distribute the image for the purposes of this contest. The winner will be notified via e-mail by November 8, 2010 and must claim the prize within 1 week of notification.

The Top Ten Jewelry Trends for Fall 2010

The Autumnal Equinox was last week so I guess it's time to face the facts - Summer is over. But that's OK, because Fall is probably the most stylish time of year. It's the perfect weather - cold enough to get creative and layer all your best pieces; warm enough to not have to cover them up. Fall means a lot for fashion, and accessories are no exception. Here are some of our observations of fall fashion trends in jewelry:

1. Mixed multiple chains

Dispelling the need to layer necklaces like we did last year, this look is often seen mixed with simulated pearls or rhinestones; sometimes with charms or mixed metal colors. Great with a simple tee, it makes dressing up effortless!

2. New metal colors:

Hematite, Matte silver tone, Tricolor, Rose gold, Patinated Brass color, Bronze

3. Fringe

Last year was ruffles, but 2010 is all about fringe. Investing in bags, shoes, and jewelry are a great way to follow this trend without breaking your budget!

4. Big rings

Especially animal-themed rings, have been spotted on the street and on celebrities!

5. Statement necklaces

Necklaces as big and bold as this multicolor rhinestone bib necklace say, "Hello! I'm here and I'm fashionable!" without having to speak a word!

6. Black on black

Black rhinestones on black japanned metal is a new twist on a timeless look.

This look dates back to the Victorian era, when Queen Victoria's husband, Albert, passed away and she was inconsolable. She only wore black jewelry, in mourning, and it became the fashion. Centuries old, but still en vogue!

7. Animal prints and simulated tortoise jewelry

8. Military / Navy

You bought a sweet little peacoat. So how about some accessories that say, "Hello, Sailor!" ;)

9. Long, long necklaces with bead stations

The longer the necklace the better. I love the look of necklaces 60" or more! You can use a long necklace to layer with others in your jewelry wardrobe, or to double up on itself! A fabulous look!

10. Bangle Bracelets

A playful look that I foresee bleeding into Spring - so invest in your bangles now for maximum fashion mileage! ;)

Brooch Bouquets

While trolling the Internet, we stumbled on this unique twist on a bridal bouquet:

Isn't it fabulous?! It's made of costume jewelry! Fantasy Floral Designs takes your old favorite floral brooches (or your new soon-to-be-favorite) and creates a gorgeous

bouquet that will last as long as your memories of the big day!

The bride can even pass out pieces of her bouquet as thank you gifts to her wedding party!

This is such a great idea, in my opinion, because even though I'm a sucker for fresh flowers, I prefer to invest my money in pretty things that don't die. ;)

Check the selection at Rhumba Jewelry for the right piece for your brooch bouquet!

Lucky Jewelry

Lucky charms are fun and fashionable! Even if you're not superstitious, it doesn't hurt to don one from time to time. For fashion's sake, at least.

Here are a few traditional charms to choose from:

Horseshoe

A horseshoe is considered lucky because of its shape, relative to that of a crescent moon, which was regarded as a protective shape in ancient civilizations. Because horseshoes were often made of iron, it is also a symbol of strength. There are seven holes in a horseshoe, and many regard seven as a lucky number due to its many references in ancient and religious texts. The luckiness of the horseshoe may also be attributed to the horse itself. One wears a horseshoe in order to invoke a horse's steadfast and bold qualities.

Jade

In Chinese culture, jade is believed to be the only material that contains both yin and yang qualities - and as such, links the physical and spiritual worlds. Jade is worn to absorb bad chi, and protect against sickness. Because of its link to the supernatural, it is believed to guard against evil spirits. For these reasons, babies are often given a jade bracelet at birth.

Ladybugs

It's unclear exactly why ladybugs are considered lucky. I'd like to think it's because they're incredibly stylishly-outfitted insects. :)

Ladybugs are most likely considered lucky because they are natural predators to garden pests, so ladybugs in the crops mean a good growing season.

Everybody eats, so perhaps that's why nearly all cultures see the ladybug as good luck!

Hand of Fatima

This symbol is popular among Middle Eastern, North African, and Jewish cultures. It is also know as The Hand of Miriam, The Hand of Hasma, and The Hand of Khamsa. It is said to ward off the "evil eye." You know the "evil eye." It's that look other people give you when they are envious of your fabulousness.

Khamsa in Arabic means "five". There is an Arabic phrase that is supposed to nullify bad luck, loosely translating to "put five fingers in the evil eye."

In Jewish culture, the symbol represents the five books of the Torah. It is also said the symbol reminds people to celebrate God with all five senses.

It is believed that the evil eye can be so strong, it causes illness and death to those it is directed towards. Wearing the Hand of Fatima is like telling all that negativity to "talk to the hand."

The Italian Horn/ Corno

The Italian corno is another defense against the infamous "evil eye." Corno means horn, and is believed to reference the ancient Roman moon goddess Diana, who was also protector of horned animals (she is often depicted running with deer), nature, and childbirth. Young women would wear the horn to invoke the goddess' protection, especially if she is expecting a child. Often referred to as a chili pepper by those not familiar with the lucky symbol, as it is often seen in red, the color of fertility. Though it is originally a pagan symbol, the corno still a popular symbol of good luck among Roman Catholics.

Elephant with Trunk Pointed Up

The "Trunk Up Elephant Charm" is a popular lucky symbol in created by the West, though the origins of its mysticism are rooted in Eastern culture. The Hindu god of luck, Ganesh, has an elephant head and man body. His trunk is often depicted pointing upwards. Perhaps when the British colonized India, they adopted this cultural icon, though manufactured an elephant animal because they did not simultaneously adopt the religious beliefs. The trunk points upward because some European cultures believe that if a lucky symbol points downward, your luck will run out.

Egyptian Scarab

The Ancient Egyptians believed evil was everywhere, which is why they had so many rituals and wore amulets - to ward off the evil and change their fate to fortunate. The scarab is modeled after the dung beetle, which is unappetizing, I know, but these insect's instinctual rituals are interesting, and I can see why the Egyptians would use them as a symbol of good luck. Dung beetles build their nests by rolling, well, dung. The eggs are buried deep in the center of their dung-nest-ball and mature as the dung dries in the sun. When the babies are mature, they spring forth from the darkness of their dung nest. Thus, they are closely associated with new beginnings, self-creation and the positive energy of the sun. The scarab was sacred to the ancient Egyptians, and is seen beautifully depicted throughout the ancient culture's art, myths, and elaborate tombs.

Four-Leaf Clover

Last but not least, the four-leaf clover is considered lucky because it is a rare find. There is approximately one four-leaf clover for every 10,000 common three-leaf

clovers. Legend has it that the first woman, Eve, carried a four-leaf clover from the sacred Garden of Eden. Each leaf has been given meaning: hope, faith, love, and luck.

Some people are quick to dismiss the powers of a lucky charm. Some believe you create your own luck.

Perhaps when you wear "lucky" jewelry, you, yourself, c

reate an air of confidence around you because you believe in its magic - so much so that positivity and good fortune are naturally attracted to you.

Basically, when you look good, you get lucky.

Everyone can believe in that.

;)