Caring For Your Costume Jewellery

While your costume jewellery may not have cost you the earth, and we all know that non precious metals will tarnish over time, it is still worthwhile taking the time to look after your jewellery so as to extend its life.

Here are six simple tips to help you do just that.

1) Always remove your jewellery before showering, swimming or doing housework such as washing up.

2) When you are getting ready to go out, make sure that putting on your jewellery is the very last thing that you do. If you have showered, make sure your skin is totally dry. Likewise if you have put on body lotion, tan or moisturiser make sure it is completely dry before putting on your costume jewellery. Always spray your perfume and hairspray before
accessorising.

3) Do not get your jewellery wet, but if you do make sure to dry it completely with a soft cloth - not paper towels as these are too abrasive.

4) Before storing your costume jewellery take the time to wipe it with a very soft cloth to get rid of body oils and dirt.

5) Store your jewellery in seperate bags or pouches; this will prevent them from hitting off each other which could cause scratches and dulling.

6) Store the jewellery in a drawer or jewellery box in order to keep them away from dust, dirt and prolonged sun exposure.

Remember you didn't buy your Costume Jewellery to decorate the drawer - so wear it and enjoy it!

Benefits of the Large Necklace

Many ladies with larger busts would love to take the focus off that area. Well I'm here to help. By wearing this years fashionable larger necklaces we can do just that. Now for the psychology! The Titchener Illusion is displayed in the image here. Which sphere looks the smaller? The one on the left. In fact both are exactly the same size! Your perception is influenced by the surrounding spheres. Translating that into Fashion, wearing larger jewellery 1) gives the illusion of a smaller bust and 2) takes the focus away from the area. Great to know all those years studying psychology didn't go to waste!!

Recent Events at Orla Murphy Jewellery

Last week I was delighted to be interviewed by Emma Connolly of Cork's Evening Echo. Our diamante earrings were pictured in Cork News in their article on dressing for your debs. In fact many of our necklaces and earrings, recently added to our web site, would be a perfect addition to that all important debs dress. We also got a mention in the Cork Independent who carried an article on a recent Fashion Show in aid of the Niall Mellonn Trust, where we sponsored Best Dressed Lady, which was won by a very trendy Laura Morley. Bling It On! was the caption used by Stylist, AnneMarie O'Connor when she talked about us in her recent News Trends in the Irish Examiner. On Friday 13th (unlucky for some!) our jewellery was expertly modelled by the girls from Lockdown Models at a Fashion Show in Timoleague. Last, but not least, we were delighted to exhibit our jewellery at yesterdays, Irish Examiner Autum/Winter Fashion Show at the Rose of Tralee.

This Week at Orla Murphy Jewellery

What an exciting week!

The highlight of the week was our slot on TV3's Ireland AM. Sinead Desmond was genuinely blown away by the price and quality of all that we have to offer, and the reaction from the stylish ladies of Ireland has been fantastic.

News of the online store continues to spread. Julie Cobb from Style Fish had huge praise for our collection, while Caroline Ryan of Style By Caroline offered her readers a competition to win a necklace from Orla Murphy Jewellery. We are delighted too, to be featured in the Boutique Guide of Chiconomics.ie and hope that the news will continue to spread.

My favourite piece on the website this week is one of our new hinged bracelets. Easy to wear, very dramatic and affordable at only €29.

Add Some Bling with a Cocktail Ring

The Coctktail Ring is a large, dramatic ring which gained popularity during the period of prohibiton in the US. It was worn at illegal drinks parties and flaunted the fact that not only were you drinking illegally but you were doing it with style!

Thankfully, these days we don't need illegal drinks parties as an excuse to wear bold, beautiful rings. Whether you want to make a statement in your work wear or want to dazzle in your evening attire the simple addition of a cocktail ring is sure to get you noticed - for all the right reasons!

Often worn on the ring finger of the right hand - Cocktail Rings also look fantastic worn on the index finger of either hand.

Victoria Beckham Stylish In Costume Jewellery

Now I know that we don't expect Victoria Beckham to ever blend into the background, but she really stood out from the crowd with this fabulous jewellery at a recent party.

A Week in the Life of Orla Murphy Jewellery

We've had a pretty busy week in Orla Murphy Jewellery. It all started last week with a competition in Cork News which had a great response and I hope Jayne from Ovens will enjoy her new necklace. On Sunday I had the privilage of meeting Cork's new Lady Mayoress, Catherine O'Connell, who I am delighted to say will be wearing Orla Murphy Jewellery during her term of office. Word about the web site continues to spread - so exciting. Late this week Cork Independent featured a number of our pieces in their style pages and the response to that has been fantastic.

My personal favourite from the online store is featured above. J103 is a magnificent Diamante Drop Heart and Flower Necklace & Earring Set. It really is a fantastic piece and would look great whether you are looking for jewellery for a special occasion, or you just want to add a touch of glamour to an outfit for a night out.

Statement Necklaces Have The X Factor

It lookes like Cheryl Coles love of Statement Jewellery will continue on this years X Factor. In 2009 we saw her love of Long Earrings and Bracelets shine through. This year Cheryl was spotted arriving at the Birmingham Auditions wearing a Fantastic Silver Statement Necklace and her Chocker Style Necklace at the London Auditions was an amazing piece. Looking forward to following her jewellery style throughout the show.

Chandelier Earrings a Must on the Red Carpet

Well you can't be on the Red Carpet these days without a pair of sparkling chandelier earrings. Salma Hayek led the way at the Cannes Film festival setting off her magnificent Gucci Bordeaux asymmetrical gown with a fabulous pair of chandelier earrings. Kate Beckinsale proved that your glitzy earrings work well whether you are sashaying on the Red Carpet in a full length Marchesa Gown or in a less formal (and smaller!) dress at the afterparty. Helen Mirren looked amazing when she paired her sparkling earrings with a black ElieSaab and Eva Longoria didn't falter in her Elie Saab number at the after party - proving that a girl can never have enough sparkle.

Enable Ireland Lunch 14th May

Well a great day was had by all at the Enable Ireland Ladies Lunch in the Earl of Desmond Tralee. Thanks a mill for inviting me again this year. I have to say the Ladies of Tralee are some of the most stylish in Ireland. Absolutely Stunning.