Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry

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2010-03-06T07:42:00.001-05:00

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Gem Gossip's DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Kristin Pasternak Jewelry

2010-03-01T13:00:00.000-05:00

If you like your jewelry served with a little side of history as I do, I recommend that you find your way over to the blog Gem Gossip and dig in! I've particularly enjoyed GG blogger, Danielle's recent posts Titanic Lost Jewelry: The Artifact Exhibition and The Antique Jewelry in the Movie: The Young Victoria which offer some fascinating facts about jewelry in a historical context.

I've had the pleasure of communicating with Danielle over the past couple of months and I have participated in a couple of her very popular Show Me Your Rings posts. When I received an email from Danielle a couple of weeks ago to discuss the possibility of doing a Designer Spotlight on Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry, I was extremely flattered to be considered especially given the talented roster of past designers (think Nicole Landaw, Karen Karch and C Greene) that have been featured in Gem Gossip's Designer Spotlight.

I learned last Thursday that Danielle had posted the blog and I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome! Below is Gem Gossip's DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT on Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry:

To read the entire post, click here. And don't forget to add Gem Gossip to your RSS feed!

Merci beaucoup, Danielle!

xxKP

NY Times T Magazine Blog Weighs in on "The Khaki Brigade"

2010-03-01T10:03:00.004-05:00

If a twelve page spread in March Vogue and a post from street-style demigod Garance Doré didn't convince you to fall in line with the Khaki cult for the Spring/Summer season, perhaps the NY Times T Magazine blog titled "The Khaki Brigade" will persuade you to enlist.

images via NY Times T Magazine

I especially love the pairing of black and khaki in the first image. Styling black with khaki is a great weather-appropriate way to begin transitioning the neutral hue into the Spring season now.

So while you're waiting for the warm weather to arrive in NYC, why not spend a little time daydreaming about your Spring wardrobe?! To view the blog and check out the rest of the images, click here.

xxKP

Khaki Craze: Military-Inspired Utilitarian Basics for Spring

2010-02-27T18:09:00.000-05:00

I've just finished combing through the March issue of Vogue and I must say that it did not disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed reading and reviewing everything from the feature on somewhat unexpected cover girl, Tina Fey, to Alexander Wang's MOD (model off-duty) style inspiration, to the "Military Issue" fashion spread shot by Mario Testino.

The twelve page spread featuring utilitarian basics of the spring season including trench coats, safari-style button down shirts, military-themed jackets and cargo pants reminded me of a recent post on Garance Doré's blog titled "Khaki is the New Black."

Pictures via Doré's "Khaki is the new Black" post

A khaki color palette works well with many complexions as it includes a range of hues from beige to olive to brownish. Though I'm not quite ready to trade in my predominately white/grey/black wardrobe, I am definitely inspired to incorporate a few khaki pieces for spring. I love how the subject of Doré's post mixes khaki AND black - now that's a compromise I can agree with!

This khaki craze is reiterated in Vogue's take on styling the reoccurring military theme. By pairing more masculine, structured pieces with decidedly feminine silhouettes, fabrics and details, Vogue keeps the look modern, fresh and perfect for spring! Below is Vogue's March 2010 multi-page "Military Issue" fashion spread:

"Military Issue" photos by Mario Testino for the March 2010 issue of Vogue via www.millionlooks.com

Standout surplus-style pieces from the spread include a Balmain cavalry jacket with fringed epaulets and braided cord details (image 4), Burberry Prorsum cashmere V-neck sweater with gathered sleeves and washed-chiffon skirt (far left of image 5), Comme des Garçons asymmetrical cropped moss wool jacket (image 7) and Alexander Wang peep-toe ankle boots (images 11 &12.)

Will you be sporting khaki military basics this spring?

xxKP

Eco-Chic: Lauren Bush Teams Up with Barneys on Ethically-Minded Collection

2010-02-27T17:49:00.000-05:00

Featured in Vogue's March 2010 issue, Lauren Bush's fledgling collaboration with Barneys (the first collection launched in Spring 2009), Lauren Pierce Atelier, is a made-to-order collection of one-of-a-kind dresses that are created with environmentally friendly fabrics from around the world.

image via Vogue

Each season, the model-turned-designer will donate 10% of the Lauren Pierce Atelier profits to a cause that affects women in the country from which the collection's materials have been sourced and the designs have been created. Ethically sourced and environmentally conscious, the fabrics used in Bush's latest collection have been hand-dyed by women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dresses are available in five silhouettes, retail for around $500 and are available exclusively at Barneys.

"You can love the dress, plus feel great about the good it's doing," Bush tells Vogue - I couldn't agree more! Hop over to www.lauren-pierce.com for more information on Lauren Bush's chic, reasonably priced, and socially conscious collection.

xxKP

Amethyst Inspiration: A Look Styled Around the February Birthstone

2010-02-20T14:46:00.000-05:00

Last week I began using the super-addictive site Polyvore, which allows you to "mix and match products from any online store to create outfits or any kind of collage." I was inspired to begin creating a monthly set styled around the birthstone of the corresponding month. I frequently build my outfits based on the jewelry that I feel like wearing on a particular day or for a specific event and I thought it would be fun to share my styled sets with you! In the future, I'll try and post this entry at the beginning of each month.

So without further ado, here's the first birthstone inspired set created via Polyvore:

Amethyst Inspiration: February Birthstone set

(Items included in this set clockwise starting from top: Ray-Ban "Original Aviator" sunglasses, purple balloons, Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry Amethyst Granulation Earrings, Goldsign "Envy" straight-leg jeans, Miu Miu Suede Ruffle Platform Peep-toe Pumps, Bottega Veneta Cobalt blue Deerskin Tote, Fred Flare Silk Racerback top with Pocket, Miss Selfridge Grey Burnout Print Cardigan, Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry Amethyst Trifoil Cocktail Ring, Me and Kashmere "Amali" Black and Purple Cashmere scarf.)

Would you ever build an outfit around a piece of jewelry?

xxKP

Gimme: Kristin Pasternak Jewelry

2010-02-10T11:25:00.000-05:00

Bonjour, mes amis!

While checking my KP Fine Jewelry inbox late last night, I came across an email from Caroline, the blogger extraordinaire and talented artist behind the super cute and whimsical site It Looks Good To Me. Consequently, I was beyond thrilled to read that Caroline had posted a little write up on the debut collection of yours truly featuring a lovely watercolor of our Diamond Granulation Stacking Ring!

Click here to read the entire post!

The Diamond Stacking Ring is one of our favorite pieces and it looks great worn as a set of three or by itself - diamonds are just so versatile!

If you haven't had the opportunity to see our newly launched Online Shop, we invite you to do so. Also, don't forget to take advantage of an exclusive 20% discount off all merchandise in celebration of the Grand Opening of our Online Shop (and of course the upcoming Valentine's Day holiday!) now through February 14th, 2010. To receive the discount, simply enter the discount code VALDAY2010 in the notes section during checkout. The discount will be taken manually and will appear on your emailed receipt.

Don't you just love getting good news in your inbox?!

xxKP

Traditional and Modern Birthstones

2010-02-02T12:33:00.000-05:00

Birthstones are gems that have historically been associated with one of the 12 months in the Gregorian calendar. Wearing birthstone jewelry during the month that the stone represents first became popular in 15th century Poland and was thought to enhance magical and healing properties of the stone.

Traditionally, the birthstones assigned to each month are below:

Traditional Birthstones

January | Garnet

February | Amethyst

March | Bloodstone/Jasper

April | Diamond/Sapphire

May | Emerald/Agate

June | Alexandrite/Emerald

July | Ruby/Onyx

August | Sardonyx/Carnelian

September | Sapphire/Peridot

October | Tourmaline/Aquamarine

November | Citrine/Topaz

December | Zircon/Ruby

However, in the 1930s the American Gem Society released a revised list of Birthstones, which designated the Modern birthstones assigned to each month with which more people are familiar.

Modern Birthstones

January | Garnet

February | Amethyst

March | Aquamarine/Bloodstone

April | Diamond

May | Emerald

June | Pearl/Alexandrite/Moonstone

July | Ruby

August | Peridot/Sardonyx

September | Sapphire

October | Tourmaline/Opal

November | Topaz/Citrine

December | Turquoise/Zircon/Blue Topaz/Tanzanite

(image via the American Gem Society)

January

By her who in this month is born,

No gems save Garnets should be worn;

They will insure her constancy,

True friendship and fidelity.

February

The February born will find

Sincerity and peace of mind;

Freedom from passion and from care,

If they the Amethyst will wear.

March

Who in this world of ours their eyes

In March first open shall be wise;

In days of peril firm and brave,

And wear a Bloodstone to their grave.

April

She who from April dates her years,

Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears

For vain repentance flow; this stone,

Emblem of innocence is known.

May

Who first beholds the light of day

In Spring's sweet, flower month of May

And wears an Emerald all her life

Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

June

Who comes with Summer to this earth

And owes to June her day of birth,

With ring of Agate on her hand,

Can health, wealth and long life command.

July

The glowing Ruby should adorn

Those who in warm July are born,

Then will they be exempt and free

From love's doubt and anxiety.

August

Wear a Sardonyx of for thee

No conjugal felicity.

The August-born without this stone

'Tis said must live unloved and lone.

September

A maiden born when autumn leaves

Are rustling in September's breeze,

A Sapphire on her brow should bind,

'Twill cure diseases of the mind.

October

October's child is born for woe,

And life's vicissitudes must know;

But lay an Opal on her breast,

And hope will lull those woes to rest.

November

Who first comes to this world below

With drear November's fog and snow

Should prize the Topaz' amber hue --

Emblem of friends and lovers true.

December

If cold December gave you birth

The month of snow and ice and mirth

Place on your hand a Turquoise blue;

Success will bless whate'er you do.

- Gregorian birthstone poem printed in Notes and Queries, May 11, 1889.

Isn't it fascinating to learn of the protective and curative powers of birthstones that were commonly believed in centuries past? Before reading this post did you know both your Modern and Traditional birthstones?

xxKP

Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry Launches Online Shop!

2010-02-02T09:55:00.000-05:00

Why hello there, February!

What a whirlwind that past couple of months have been beginning with the launch of the Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry collection and website in December. Since then it's been a (happily) hectic schedule of jewelry design and production, photo shoots, some pretty exciting meetings (more to come on that soon!) and most recently, the addition of the Online Shop to the site last week!

The Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry website and Online Shop has been a multi-stage project on which we've worked very closely with the web designer. We couldn't be happier with the almost final product (we are constantly changing, adding to and upgrading the site) both aesthetically and functionally.

If you haven't had the opportunity to view the Online Shop, we invite you to do so and to also take advantage of an exclusive 20% discount off of all product until February 14th in celebration of the Grand Opening of our Online Shop. To receive the discount, simply enter the discount code VALDAY2010 in the notes section during checkout. Your discount will be taken manually and will appear on your emailed receipt.

Lastly, a sincere Thank You is due to our family, friends, Facebook Fans, Twitter followers and Blog readers for your wonderful feedback and your much appreciated support!

xxKP

Haute Couture & Haute Joaillerie: Spring/Summer 2010

2010-01-26T11:23:00.000-05:00

The Haute Couture Spring/Summer 2010 shows commenced this past Sunday the 24th in Paris with Josephus Thimister and will end on Wednesday the 27th with Valentino. The French term Haute Couture literally means "high sewing" and refers to custom-made clothing created using the highest quality fabrics and sewn with considerable attention to detail. The bespoke clothing often features very time-consuming embellishments done by hand.

Pierre Balmain Haute Couture, 1955. (image via the Victoria & Albert Museum)

Dior seamstress (image via designmuseum.org)

Christian Dior Haute Couture, 1953. (image via designmuseum.org)

Christian Dior sketching (image via designmuseum.org)

The historically Parisian tradition of Haute Couture is a tradition that is highly guarded by the French. According to French law originating in 1945, to be considered a legitimate House of Haute Couture, designers must meet a number of criteria including designing made-to-order for private clients with one or more fittings, having an atelier (workshop) in Paris with a minimum of 15 full-time employees, and presenting a collection twice a year to the Paris press with at least 35 exits consisting of both daytime and evening looks.

Hubert de Givenchy "Les Muguets" ("Lily of the Valley") Haute Couture, 1955. (images via the Victoria & Albert Museum)

To be accepted as a Haute Couture House and to be invited to present during the Haute Couture shows in Paris is regarded as the most exclusive accolade a clothier can receive in the world of fashion.

The bespoke nature, intricate details and creative whimsy that Haute Couture triumphs have always fascinated me. Consequently, I was elated to hear that Haute Joaillerie Houses would be invited for the first time to show during Paris couture week!

(image via the Victoria & Albert Museum)

The companies, whose designs represent the pentacle of luxury, craftsmanship and creativity within the jewelry world, will show their Haute Joaillerie exclusively on January 28th. The lucky Haute Joaillerie invitees include Boucheron, Chanel Joaillerie, Chaumet, Mellerio Dits Meller and Van Cleef & Arpels. The Haute Joaillerie will no doubt be nothing short of spectacular and I'm anxiously awaiting the first photographs of these jewels to appear!

xxKP

Love at First Site: "Paris by Appointment Only"

2010-01-21T20:00:00.000-05:00

American expat Zeva Bellel's love affair with France began sometime during her childhood in Brooklyn, though she says the source of her obsession with the country "is anybody's guess." Her first visit to Paris at age sixteen inspired Zeva to study Art History and French in college and after graduating she moved to Paris for what was supposed to be a "five-month experiment." Ten years later, Zeva continues to reside in Paris -- now married to her French husband, Fabrice -- and has developed her passion for the City of Lights into a career of trend forecasting and scouting for "the city's great hidden talents." Her website, Paris by Appointment Only, is a Francophile's dream and features little-known Parisian artisans and experts of their craft, including jewelers, dressmakers, ceramicists and chefs.

Zeva Bellel

Last week Zeva wrote about Michel Heurtault, a couture umbrella and parasol maker who began his career designing costumes and corsets for theater productions and French fashion houses such as Christian Dior.

Michel Heurtault photographed in Paris at his couture umbrella shop, Parasolerie Heurtault

The bespoke umbrellas are handmade with luxe fabrics like silk and lace not typically used for umbrellas that Michel has waterproofed and UV-treated.

These gorgeous umbrellas exude Parisian chic and have definitely made me consider upgrading my black mini travel umbrella!

xxKP

Red Carpet Review: Golden Globes 2010

2010-01-18T12:10:00.000-05:00

Last night the 67th annual Golden Globes marked the beginning of the 2010 award show season. For me, the most anticipated portion of the evening is watching the actors and actresses arrive on the Red Carpet. I love to see how the various components of a Red Carpet look - the dress, shoes, clutch, jewelry, hair & make-up - are styled together for an overall effect. This year's Golden Globes boasted a variety styles for every taste from Old Hollywood glamour to architectural and avant-guard and everything in between. A palette of purples, blues, black and neutral hues were the colors of choice for the evening. Here are some of my favorite looks from the evening - which celebrities made your Golden Globes 2010 Best Dressed list?

Sandra Bullock in Bottega Veneta; Jane Krakowski in J. Mendel; Gennifer Goodwin in Vionnet; Reese Witherspoon in Armani (images via Style.com and NBC.com)

Sandra Bullock's show-stopping purple jewel tone Bottega Veneta dress with a sheer skirt complemented her skin tone beautifully and her wavy hair pulled back and to the side looked fresh and not overly styled.

January Jones in Lanvin; Penélope Cruz in Armani Privé; Kate Winslet in Yves Saint Laurent (images via Style.com)

Kristen Bell in Jasmine di Milo; Kate Hudson in Marchesa (images via Style.com)

Classic black and white ensembles were strongly represented as well in a variety of interesting shapes and cuts. January Jones' black Lanvin frock paired with a chic black satin headband was a standout for the evening.

Toni Collette in Elie Saab; Olivia Wilde in Gucci; Jennifer Garner in Atelier Versace (images via Style.com)

All-over beaded dresses in neutral shades of cream, grey and metallics were abundant on the Red Carpet as well. Jennifer Garner looked statuesque in her Atelier Versace stunner. The couture dress featured intricate diagonal grey beading through the torso that transitioned into vertical beading down the length of the dress ending in a train. The effect was simply gorgeous against Garner's fair complexion and dark brown hair!

xxKP

Love at First Site: "It Looks Good to Me"

2010-01-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

Recently, while perusing one of my favorite blogs Oh Joy! I was instantly drawn to a post about the colorful and whimsical watercolor illustrations of Brooklynite Caroline of the website and blog It Looks Good to Me. A Textitle Designer by profession, Caroline, who lives in Cobble Hill finds inspiration from "the amazing visual material" she encounters in NYC on a daily basis. Her illustrations are so charming and I've posted a sampling of them below. You can purchase one (or more!) of these beauties for just $35 via her online Print Shop.

xxKP

Sneak Peek: New Styled Jewelry Images

2010-01-15T09:43:00.001-05:00

Bonjour, mes amis!

I'm happy to share a few new styled shots of jewels from my Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry collection. We're working on a number of exciting things for the weeks and months to come including some fancy new updates to the website - so keep checking back for the latest news!

(Thanks to Kristen Jensen Photography for lovely pics!)

Happy Friday!

xxKP

Ad Obsession: Missoni Spring 2010

2010-01-13T08:55:00.000-05:00

It's currently a frigid 24 degrees in New York City and many grey days with below zero temperatures loom on the horizon. Providing a respite from the dreary weather and offering a beacon of hope for warmer, sunnier days to come, Spring 2010 advertising campaigns are heating up fashion blogs and February glossies. Photographed by Juergen Teller, Missoni's newly released Spring 2010 campaign captures a Missoni family dinner hosted at the home of founders Rosita and Tai Missoni. Angela Missoni told WWD that the approach to the Spring 2010 ad campaign was, "different and more realistic...I wanted to highlight our reality and our lifestyle, which is reflected in our unique product and in the artisanal aspect." A departure from the highly-styled images frequently used in ad campaigns, the new ads feel refreshingly natural and uncontrived.

(via WWD)

xxKP

Cover Confidential: February Vogue Germany

2010-01-12T23:36:00.000-05:00

The February cover of Vogue Germany and the subsequent editorial featuring German model Toni Garrn and French model Baptiste Giabiconi was shot by none other than Mr. Karl Lagerfeld. In the multi-page spread, Lagerfeld pays homage to the 1920's silent film Metropolis - a German Science fiction complete with mad scientist and robot characters. The styling is utter perfection (I love the spotlight on sparkly jewels!) and the photography is on point and engaging. The scope of this man's genius and vision is extraordinary. The cover and a few of my favorite editorial images are below...

(images via The Fashion Affair)

Ok, that was more than just "a few" - this man is prolific!

xxKP

Ad Obsession: Dior Spring 2010

2010-01-08T01:54:00.000-05:00

The new Dior Spring 2010 advertising campaign featuring Karlie Kloss is stunning, as is the French fashion house's Spring 2010 collection. The ad campaign and the collection draw significant influence from 1940's screen siren, Lauren Bacall's, signature red-lipped, femme fatale look.

Dior Spring 2010 advertising campaign featuring Karlie Kloss

(image via Stylelist.com)

xxKP

It's All Just a Little Bit of History Repeating: Bows

2010-01-07T19:56:00.000-05:00

My affinity for bows can very easily be traced back to my childhood, as documented through copious amounts of somewhat embarrassing family videos and photographs. As an embellishment on a pair of shoes, a party dress or a hair accessory, bows were consistently a part of my early ensembles. Over the years my affection for this particular adornment has endured - an appreciation that proved advantageous during my buying days at the historically bow-friendly fashion house, Yves Saint Laurent.

THEN: Yves Saint Laurent, Evening dress of silk, plastic, feathers & glass, 1967.

(image via The Costume Institute)

NOW: Yves Saint Laurent, Long sleeve short dress with bows at bib, Spring 2010.

(image via Style.com)

Consequently, I was pleased to see bows appear in a number of Spring 2010 shows this past fall - including Valentino, Monique Lhullier and Prabal Gurung - in both ready-to-wear and accessories categories. While the choice of bows was not particularly novel for Valentino, the execution was flawless and the léger fabric was feminine.

Valentino, Spring 2010. (images via Style.com)

Monique Lhullier, Spring 2010. (images via Style.com)

Prabal Gurung, Spring 2010. (images via Style.com)

The fascination with bows continued in the accessories category at Nina Ricci and yes, Valentino.

Nina Ricci, Black Lace bootie with back bow, Spring 2010.

(image via The Rosenrot.)

Here are two of my absolute FAVORITE Spring 2010 shoes from Valentino - a purchase that I'm trying to justify by the fact that both of these beauties are essentially season-less - don't you agree?!

Valentino, Black Peep toe cut-out bootie with side bow, Spring 2010.

(Available on pre-order at Bergdorf Goodman.)

Valentino, Black and Cream Satin bow sandal, Spring 2010.

(Available at Net-a-Porter.com)

Standing the fashion test of time, bows will reemerge (or will remain for some of us!) this Spring along with lady-like sheer fabrics and silhouettes.

xxKP

Bonne Annee!

2010-01-04T11:00:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year! I hope that you're as excited for what 2010 will bring as I am!

(illustration via Garance Doré)

This lovely illustration was done by über-talented French blogger, street style photographer and illustrator, Garance Doré. If you are not yet familiar with Garance, her blog, which has been translated to English for a little over a year now, has become a mainstay in my google reader and her images and illustrations are both thought-provoking and beautiful. This past September, I had the good fortune to ever-so-briefly meet Garance while attending her equally talented blogger boyfriend, Scott Schuman's, book signing at Barney's for his newly released work The Sartorialist. (As a side note, the book is a compilation of Scott's favorite photos and subjects and is nothing short of inspirational for the fashion inclined!)

Garance Doré & Scott Schuman at The Sartorialist book signing at Barney's on September 14, 2009

(image via www.thesartorialist.blogspot.com)

But I digress, Garance was just as lovely and congenial in person as I had imagined she would be and her blog has become a daily source of style inspiration for readers around the world. If you haven't already, why not add Garance Doré's blog to your RSS feed for 2010 and start your year off with a daily dose of effortless chic?!

xxKP

New Years Eve 2010: Outfit Inspiration

2009-12-28T16:32:00.000-05:00

New Years Eve is the perfect reason to get dressed up, although, to be honest I don't usually need much of an excuse to break out a party dress! In my annual search for NYE outfit inspiration, I came across this sequined dress and boyfriend jacket combination from Net-a-Porter.com that is equal parts glamorous and au courant.

(image via www.net-a-porter.com)

If you don't have a sparkly dress in your closet already, think about investing in this surprisingly versatile basic. Vince Sequined Mesh Tank Dress in Burgundy available at Net-a-Porter.

(image via www.net-a-porter.com)

A staple in the business wardrobe for many, a boyfriend jacket with rolled up sleeves adds shape and structure to the look. Perry Boyfriend Jacket available at Thistle & Clover.

(image via www.thistleclover.com)

For jewelry, opt for simple diamond earrings and one statement cocktail ring to balance out the Burgundy sequin of the dress. Diamond Trifoil Earrings and Smoky Quartz Trifoil Cocktail Ring are available at Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry.

(for more details about the earrings, click here)

(for more details about the ring, click here)

Best wishes for a happy & healthy New Year!

xxKP

Add a Little Sparkle to Your Holiday

2009-12-14T10:42:00.000-05:00

The holiday season is one of my absolute favorite times of the year, and it is an especially beautiful time to live in New York City. For some, the annual lighting of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center marks the beginning of the holiday season. For me, the appearance of evergreens adorned with strands of sparkling white lights on Park Avenue is the seasonal harbinger, a tradition which began over 60 years ago to honor the memory of the men and women who died during WWII. Check out the Fund for Park Avenue website for more information on the Park Avenue Memorial Tree Lighting.

(image via www.gardendesign.com)

Be it the glimmer of Christmas lights, the paillettes of a hand-beaded bolero or the facets of an intricately cut stone -- it will probably come as no surprise to my family and friends that, as a jewelry designer, I adore all things sparkly! So in the spirit of the holiday season and of all things that shimmer (and in my newly self-proclaimed status as an arbiter of sparkle) I present you with some of my favorite ways to add a little sparkle to your holiday season!

1) Classic Champagne Cocktail

(recipe and image via www.marthastewart.com)

Ingredients: 3 drops bitters, 1 sugar cube, 1 ounce Cognac, 4 ounces chilled Champagne.

Directions: Drop bitters onto sugar cube; let soak in. Place sugar cube in a Champagne flute. Add Cognac, top with Champagne and voila!

2) “Pigalle” by Christian Louboutin

(image via www.christianlouboutin.com)

The “Pigalle” is one tall glass of water and certainly meets the “sparkly” requirements of this post with flying colors! These babies are perfect for holiday parties worn with your favorite LBD. Dear Santa…

3) Diamond Trifoil Large Hoops

These hoops are one of my favorites pieces from my collection. The design is deeply rooted in the past, yet completely modern. Diamonds, bezel set in the shape of a trifoil which is a symbol that appears frequently in gothic architecture, are juxtaposed with the modern, undulating design of the hoops. They easily transition from day to night and, perhaps most importantly, they provide that little bit of oh-so-necessary sparkle.

4) Donate

Last and most importantly, make your holidays shine a little brighter for others by donating to a charity or cause that is significant to you. The Alzheimer’s Association is a charitable organization that I’ve had the good fortune to work with closely and it represents a cause about which I feel very strongly. Click here to donate to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Now that you've seen my list, how will you add a little sparkle to your holiday?

Welcome, bienvenue, bienvenido, benvenuto!

2009-12-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

Hello and welcome!

Thank you so much for stopping by and perusing the Kristin Pasternak Fine Jewelry website and blog!

Words cannot express how excited I am to share this collection and site with you all. It’s been a true labor of love – and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it!

So without further ado, I’d like to invite you to browse the collection, learn a bit about the inspiration behind the designs and read about my dedication to using ethically sourced, environmentally responsible and reclaimed materials for my jewelry whenever possible.

Enjoy!

KP