Lifestyle

Pearl, The June Birthstone

An accessory that is truly elegant for every day and occasion wear, the pearl is the modern birthstone for the month of June. For thousands of years pearls have been considered symbols of modesty, purity, wisdom, and marital bliss (which is why it’s often given as an anniversary gift for the 1st, 3rd, 12th, and 30th wedding anniversaries)!

Origin of the Pearl

The origin of the pearl has many legends. According to the ancient Greeks, pearls dropped from Aphrodite when she emerged from water. Other ancient mythologies state that pearls are drops of heavenly dew or tears of mythological beings.

As nature’s one and only organic gem, pearls are truly remarkable. Have you ever wondered how a pearl is formed? This video does an amazing job of visualizing just how a pearl is made!

Healing Properties of the Pearl

Many praise pearls for their healing properties such as being an antidote to infertility, insanity, memory loss, and insomnia. Others claim pearls possess the power to cure heart, stomach, spleen, and intestinal problems.

Many cultures and societies have made medicinal claims about the power of the pearl. In fact, the Chinese have used pearls for centuries to treat everything from simple eye ailments to serious heart issues. Today, the Chinese still use pearl powder as a skin whitener and treatment for acne and rosacea!

Determining Pearl Quality

The quality of a pearl is generally evaluated on seven different factors.

Luster: This refers to the intensity of light that is reflected from the surface of the pearl. The higher the luster, the glossier and more mirror-like the surface of the pearl. Pearls with a lower-luster will have a more matte appearance.

Nacre: Luster and nacre quality are closely related. If the nucleus is visible under the nacre, or the pearl has a dull and chalky appearance, the nacre of the pearl is thin. This impacts the luster and durability of the pearl.

Size: Larger pearls typically have a higher market value because they are rarer and cultivated longer in the mollusk or oyster. Most freshwater pearls range from 3mm to 12mm in diameter, but Tahitian pearls can be 18mm or larger!

Shape: The rarest and most valuable pearls are perfectly round, but pearls come in many shapes including near-round, button, oval, drop, or baroque shapes.

Surface: The most rare and valuable pearls are no blemishes or inclusions on their surface. The more marks on a pearl, the less it is worth.

Color: Natural and cultured pearls occur in a wide range of colors. There are warm hues such as yellow, orange, and pink, and cool hues such as blue, green, and violet.

Matching:  Matching does not apply to single pearls or pearls that are purposefully mismatched. Rather it compares all the pearls on a piece of jewelry with each other to see how well they match.

Celebrities with June Birthdays

It’s no secret that pearls are a classic jewelry that can be worn for every occasion. Check out these famous celebrities with June birthdays, rocking their birthstone!

Heidi Klum (June 1, 1973)

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Angelina Jolie (June 4, 1975)

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Natalie Portman (June 9, 1981)

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Venus Williams (June 17, 1980)

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Nicole Kidman (June 20, 1967)

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At HinsonGayle, we pride ourselves in quality and selection of our pearls. Shop our June special to celebrate June’s birthstone, the pearl, and give a timeless gift to someone you love.

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The Best Necklace Length for your Body Type

Did you know that the jewelry industry has standard necklace lengths, measured in inches? And ladies, size DOES MATTER when it comes to choosing your necklaces! Check out the chart below for standard size options for women:

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Need help on where to start? Go look at your current jewelry collection and choose the necklace you wear most often. There’s a reason you like it — it’s fun, flattering, and classic. Now, measure the length of that necklace (or the clasped length and double it), and chances are that length is the most flattering one for you.

If you prefer a more scientific method to choosing the best necklace length for your neck, consider your entire body — from face shape, bust size, height, and general body type.

  • Lengths and Widths
    • A wide, short neck should avoid choker length necklaces and aim for necklaces that are 20-24 inches long. This will elongate the neck!
    • If you are shorter or full-figured (including your bust), pay attention to where the necklace falls on your upper torso. You don’t want it to land in a distracting area, if you know what we mean.
    • Women of average height and taller than average height can wear almost any necklace length, but short women can get lost in longer necklaces. If you are 5’4″ or shorter, try choosing lengths that sit on your collarbone or just below.
  • Face Shape
    • Oval faces can wear any necklace length so long as they consider height, neck, and body size
    • Round faces should stick to longer necklaces that create a slimming “v” as it hangs on your torso
    • Heart-shaped faces and rectangular faces benefit from rounder necklaces such as chokers to help smooth out the face’s planes and angles
  • Wardrobe Style
    • Once you have decided what you’re wearing, make sure the necklace length you choose adds to the outfit’s overall look and enhances your appearance
    • Consider your top’s necklines and how it will accentuate the necklace

At HinsonGayle, we have necklaces of every size, shape, and color. Our top of the line pearls look amazing on everyone — head on over to our shop to find your perfect necklace today!

Holidays

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 2016

Mother’s Day is May 8th! We’ve created a gift guide to help you get mom what she really wants this year! Check it out below:

HinsonGayle gift guide

Clockwise

  • Giant Gem Speaker from Ban.doShow mom that she’s a real gem this year with this fun speaker from Ban.do! Mom can officially take her rockstar status anywhere she goes.
  • FitBit BlazeThe latest and greatest from the FitBit brand, the Blaze model tracks it all: sleep, steps, heart rate, calories burned, cell phone alerts, and more! Mom will love this new tech toy.
  • Baroque Pearl Bracelet from HinsonGayleThis pearl bracelet has been an absolute favorite from HinsonGayle. Layered with other bangles and bracelets, or standing alone, this timeless piece is elegant, just like mom.
  • Cravings by Chrissy Teigen: Full of humor and some of the most delicious eats we’ve ever tasted, Cravings is sure to please mom and the whole family with its amazing recipes!
  • Balloon Dot Battery Bank from Kate SpadeWho rules the world? Moms. Help mom keep up with running her empire by making sure she never runs out of cell phone battery!
  • Stitch Fix Gift CardStitch Fix is a monthly subscription service that pairs mom with her own personal stylist. Her stylist will send her a box each month ($25) of items hand-selected just for her based off of her style profile. If she loves the items, the $25 goes towards the purchase of any item(s) she wishes to keep!
  • Pearl Stud Earrings from HinsonGayleThese pearl studs are timeless and beautiful, just like mom. Show her just how much you love her with a pair of these earrings! Enter MOTHERSDAY to receive 20% off your order.
  • Hailu Leather Wallet by FashionABLEThis wallet is handcrafted, timeless, and represents a brand with an amazing mission. FashionABLE seeks to purchase goods from women in poverty, empowering them to grow their businesses and employ more women around them. This wallet will have mom looking good AND feeling good.
Lifestyle Travel Wedding

11 Top US Destination Wedding Ideas

Are you interested in a destination wedding? Whether you dream of getting married by the sea, in the mountains, or anywhere in between, we’ve got something for everyone on our list of 11 Top Destination Wedding Ideas.

1. The Big Island, Hawaii

  • Why Get Hitched Here: As the largest island in the chain, Big Island offers incredible landscape varieties — mountains, beaches, rain forests, oh my! Guests can explore the rain forest region, go horseback riding, go snorkeling, or relax on the beach while waiting to celebrate your nuptials.
  • When to Wed: Anytime — temps stay in the 70s and 80s year round, and rain showers and short and mild when they do occur.

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2. Sea Island, Georgia

  • Why Get Hitched Here: Sea Island feels like you’ve traveled to the Caribbean, without having to leave the U.S. The island’s only visitors are guests of its two resorts, and the oceanfront setting on the private beach is breathtaking. With delicious food and amazing amenities, this retreat has plenty of activities for guests to enjoy — golf, tennis, horseback riding, boating, fishing, spas, and more.
  • When to Wed: Late spring, summer, and early fall are the ideal times to visit Sea Island — just remember that hurricane season starts in June.

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3. San Francisco, California:

  • Why Get Hitched Here: Head to a big city with a laid-back attitude in San Francisco. Its hills, parks, bay, Victorian homes, cable cars, and Golden Gate Bridge make the city a sight to see. And the food. Oh. The. Food.
  • When to Wed: San Francisco averages 65 degrees year round, so any time of year is prime wedding time — just expect the city’s famous fog in the summer months!

Alamo Square

4. Park City, Utah

  • Why Get Hitched Here: With a European city flare, Park city and its resorts make for a perfect destination wedding. Home to three world-class ski resorts, a mere 40 minutes from Salt Lake City’s airport, and the ultimate winter wonderland, Park City will wow you and your guests with its beauty.
  • When to Wed: Ski season starts in early December and lasts into mid-April, but summer and fall also have plenty for guests to do — fishing, hiking, and mountain biking, to name a few. May can be a dreary month as the snow starts to melt, and October and November provide some challenges with the possibility of 80 degrees one day and snow the next, so take that into consideration when planning your big day!

Overlooking Park City, Utah

5. Nantucket, Massachusetts

  • Why Get Hitched Here: Windswept moors, beautiful beaches, and rose-covered trellises mark Nantucket, a classic New England getaway. It’s nautical history is apparent through its cobblestone streets, houses draped in weathered shingles, and New England charm. From the ocean and beaches, to clambakes and lobster, Nantucket is a charming town that your guests will love.
  • When to Wed: May through September are the busiest and most popular months to wed in Nantucket because you can count on great temps and gorgeous scenery. Winter is C-O-L-D.

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6. Lake Placid, New York

  • Why Get Hitched Here: Located in the Adirondacks in upstate New York, this alpine village has tons of activities and attractions for guests to enjoy. With rustic resorts, lakeside lodges, 3,000 lakes, and mountain streams and waterfalls, Lake Placid will take your guest’s breath away.
  • When to Wed: As a winter resort area, winter is clearly a popular time to wed. Fall is also a great time with the changing of the leaves!

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7. Jackson Hole, Wyoming

  • Why Get Hitched Here: Take in the grand Tetons, rustic ranches, and wild west by getting hitched in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Guests can enjoy skiing, hiking, fly-fishing, local shops, museums, bars, and more.
  • When to Wed: Late spring and fall are often unpredictable, so it’s best to think summer and early fall for a destination wedding. While winter weddings here are gorgeous, you have to be prepared for a big winter storm to complicate things.

Snake River Reflection

8. Mackinac Island, Michigan

  • Why Get Hitched Here: A car-free island — seriously — next to where Lake Huron and Lake Michigan meet, Mackinac Island is full of charm. As a National Historic Landmark, the island feels frozen in Victorian time, with amazing architecture.
  • When to Wed: Summer months are packed with families, and winter months are freezing, so spring and fall are the best bets for a gorgeous wedding here.

Wedding Cake Cottage on West Bluff Road - Mackinac Island

9. Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley, California

  • Why Get Hitched Here: Located in Wine Country, Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley have amazing landscapes, delicious wines, world-class restaurants, and much more that your guests will be excited to take in!
  • When to Wed: Summer and fall are the ideal times to visit this region — September is harvest season so rates will be at their peak prices.

Autumn Vineyard

10. New York City, New York

  • Why Get Hitched Here: Broadway shows, internationally acclaimed restaurants, tourist attractions, and more, New York City has it all. There’s so many wedding venue options, florists, photographers, and bands to choose from that you’ll definitely be able to plan your dream day.
  • When to Wed: Any time of year is a great time to enter the New York state of mind!

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11. Newport, Rhode Island

  • Why Get Hitched Here: This seaside community was the playground of the fabulously wealthy at the end of the last century, and that is where the incredible mansions on Newport’s cliffs came from! Today, Newport is still a favorite summer destination of the wealthy, and has fun activities such as sailing and high-end shopping for guests to enjoy.
  • When to Wed: May through September offer the best temperatures for a wedding in Newport!

Newport Rhode Island Shoreline

Lifestyle Travel

Top Wedding Destinations for Fall 2016

If you’ve been dreaming of a fall wedding, complete with vibrant colors of orange, reds, and golds, perfect temperatures, and magnificent sunsets, we’ve compiled some of the best venues to host your wedding and make your vision come alive.

Castle Ladyhawke – North Carolina

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If you’re looking for a bit of European flair without the travel, Castle Ladyhawke is the place of your dreams. Nestled in the North Carolina Mountains, this once stunning private estate allows you to create your own magical wedding, complete with bagpipe player. Continue Reading

Holidays

Non-Candy Easter Basket Ideas

With Easter Sunday about 2 weeks away, it’s time to start planning what the Easter Bunny will bring to make the holiday even more amazing. While candy is always a popular Easter basket idea, at HinsonGayle, we are firm believers in giving gifts that last through the ages. Check out these 8 non-candy Easter basket ideas that are sure to bring a smile to their faces and memories to your home.

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Boogie Board 8.5 Inch LCD Writing Tablet. An eco-friendly alternative to paper, pencils, and pens, this writing tablet is perfect for doodling, practicing handwriting and math, games, and more. Erase the image with the touch of a button and start the fun all over again! Continue Reading

HinsonGayle

Pink Pearls for Easter

Easter Sunday is an incredible celebration for many reasons. Whether it’s spending time with family, Easter egg hunts, visits from a certain bunny, or finally busting out your spring fashion items, there is so much to be thankful for.

One of our favorite memories growing up was shopping for our Easter Sunday dress, shoes, and accessories, and even in adulthood, not much has changed. Softer colors, lighter shoes, and timeless accessories are what Easter fashion is all about, and HinsonGayle definitely has the accessories portion covered for you. Continue Reading

HinsonGayle

Easter Outfit Ideas

Easter Sunday is an enormous celebration around the world, and a day many put on their Sunday best. Rather than fretting over what you should wear, you should focus on how to enjoy the day, spend time with your family, celebrate the holiday, and welcome the arrival of spring.

In order to take one more “to do” off your list, we’ve created 5 looks we love for Easter! So kick up your feet, order your outfit, and enjoy this season!

 

Hinson Gayle Easter Look #1

 

Continue Reading

Holidays

10 Perfect Looks for New Year’s Eve

No matter what your plans are this New Year’s Eve, you know you want to look your best. We’ve put together a list of some of our favorite ensembles for the big night, including our favorite fashion accessories to go with them: pearls. So, let’s start the New Year’s countdown with 10 perfect looks for NYE.

Concept Dress from Madewell // Suede Side-Zip Boots from J.Crew // White Freshwater Pearl Rope Necklace from HinsonGayle Continue Reading