Stylist and writer Melissa Lamkin, who lives in Charlotte, shares her insights on the latest jewelry trends and pieces she loves. Melissa regularly contributes to local, regional and national publications as well as consulting with private clients, retail stores and clothing/apparel designers.
Her experience includes working for magazines such as FHM, Glamour, Lucky, Destination Weddings & Honeymoons and Neiman Marcus. She is the former editor to Charlotte Wedding magazine’s Bride + Groom blog and has also contributed to the Style section of Charlotte Magazine, The Charlotte Observer and has been featured and interviewed in Uptown Magazine, The Augusta Chronicle, Skirt! Magazine, PerfectWeddingGuide.com and her bridal styling work can be seen on StyleMePretty.com.
What trends are you noticing? Collar necklaces are everywhere – the style bloggers are pairing them with everything from basic tee shirts to peplum waist dresses with heels. Tough, edgy geo-inspired pieces such as doorknocker-like earrings, shield rings and stackable bracelets. Costume jewelry – both in the traditional style and in tones of highlighter colors. I’ve also seen a lot of tribal and nature-inspired pieces with feathers, turquoise, leather accents. (By the way, don’t miss what’s in store at Donald Haack Diamonds Fall Open House on Saturday, Oct. 6, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.)
What piece of yours means the most to you? I wear a small, thin, gold band on my right hand ring finger. It was my grandmother’s wedding band and is engraved with the date of my grandparent’s wedding. I never take it off. I also have her engagement ring but I keep that in a safe deposit box.
Stylist’s choice: A gorgeous rutillated quartz and diamond ring.
If a jewelry genie appeared and granted you one item from Donald Haack’s website, what would you pick? Hands down, the Rutillated Quartz and Diamond ring. It’s gorgeous but tough and edgy at the same time.
What’s your birthstone? Do you wear it? Amethyst. Not as often as I used to. My mother gave me a gorgeous amethyst ring on my 16th birthday that I’d like to have reset and I’d wear it more often… I just think the setting is outdated.
Silver or gold? Gold. All day.
Studs or hoops? Hoops. Unless I’m wearing a statement necklace, then it’s studs or no earrings at all.
Want more Melissa? Find her at MelissaGraceLamkin.com and on her blog, Swanky Peach.
