Blue Jasmine, by Caprilicious

Hello folks, I know you're no longer used to finding me here two weeks on the trot - a change in my day job has caused that. However, I have had a couple of days off this week and as I mentioned last week, I've been playing with this pendant for a long time and it is now finished. As is my wont with most of the jewellery I make, I embellished it until it was groaning, and not another bead could be fitted onto it - only then would I give up and put my needle away. 

While I added to the pendant, bead by little bead, I spent some time thinking about why I am so hooked on Statement Jewellery - why do I make it, wear it and enjoy it? 

​The Power of Statement Jewelry: Every Woman's Secret Weapon

Let’s be honest: life after 40 is when the fun really begins. You’ve already spent years figuring out what works for you and what doesn’t—whether in life, love, or lipstick shades. Now, it's time to embrace your style with confidence, and nothing says “I’ve got this” like a fabulous piece of statement jewelry. Whether you’re heading to a lunch date, the boardroom, or just the grocery store, statement jewelry is your secret weapon to feeling amazing. And the best part? It’s fun, it’s fabulous, and it’s all about you.

Why Every Woman Over 40 Needs Statement Jewelry
1. It’s Your Personality on Display
   - Bold Choices for a Bold Woman: By now, you know exactly who you are and what you like. Maybe it’s a chunky turquoise necklace that screams, “I’m adventurous!” or a pair of oversized gold hoops that say, “I mean business—and I’m fun while doing it.” Whatever your style, statement jewelry allows you to show it off.
   - Mix and Match Master: Who says you can’t wear that dramatic pendant with your favorite old T-shirt? Or those show-stopping earrings with your power suit? At this stage, you’ve earned the right to mix, match, and make your own rules. So go ahead—wear that necklace with everything.

2. Confidence Booster? Check! I always wear a piece when I have to speak up at meetings or face a roomfull of people.
   - Instant Glamour: Bad hair day? No problem. Running late? Throw on some statement earrings, and suddenly it looks like you planned this effortlessly chic look all along. Statement jewelry is like a superpower—just one piece, and you’re ready to take on the world (or at least the day).
   - Own the Room: Walk into any room wearing a striking piece of jewelry, and watch heads turn. It’s like having a little piece of confidence hanging around your neck (or dangling from your ears). And who doesn’t love a bit of extra attention?

3. Conversation Starter Extraordinaire
   - What, This Old Thing? Statement jewelry is the perfect icebreaker. Whether it’s a necklace you picked up on your last vacation or a ring that’s been in the family for years, there’s always a story behind the piece. And sharing that story? That’s where the fun begins.
   - A Little Mystery: Who says you have to tell them where you got that stunning bracelet? Sometimes, it’s more fun to keep them guessing. “Oh, this? Just something I picked up in Paris...” (Even if Paris was a boutique two blocks away.)

Choosing Your Statement Piece

- Mood Matching: Feeling fierce? Go for something big and bold. Feeling a bit more subtle? A delicate yet eye-catching piece will do the trick. The best part? You can change it up depending on your mood—because let’s face it, after 40, you’ve earned the right to be a little unpredictable.
- Occasion Ready: From the school run to a night out, there’s a piece for every occasion. Everyday bling? Choose something lightweight but impactful. Special event? Go big, go bold, and make sure you’re the one they remember.
- Quality Counts: You’ve done the costume jewelry thing, and it was fun. But now? It’s time to invest in a few pieces that will last longer than the latest trend. Quality over quantity, because your style deserves it.

​
Life is too short for boring jewelry—especially after 40! Statement jewelry is your chance to play, express, and enjoy yourself. So whether you’re feeling sassy, classy, or a little bit brassy, there’s a piece out there that’s just right for you. And remember, the most important thing is how it makes you feel. Because when you feel wonderful, you shine—inside and out.

So go ahead, put on that fabulous necklace, those daring earrings, or that eye-catching bracelet, and face the world with a smile. After all, who says life after 40 can’t be just as fabulous—if not more—than ever?

Blue Jasmine - Feeling Fierce!

Blue Jasmine started out as a project to use all the leftover slab nuggets I had in a little box at the bottom of my stash - I buy these beads/ pendants in strings, and oftentimes, there is just the one that isn't perfect - it has an odd shape, or the colours do not match the other beads, or one of the slabs was replaced by a focal which meant that this one was 'orphaned'. 
I backed them with coloured felt to bring out their own markings and arranged them into a floral motif on a piece of card.
And then I went to town! I am one of those who believes in the motto "Embellish of Perish" - I had no idea what the end product was going to look like, and left it to fate!
I popped some pearly beads between the petals and in the centre once I had put the whole thing together, but it didn't seem the finished article to me. I added a fringe, each strand ending in a blue resin jasmine with a crystal bead inside it - not yet, said my head. 
Eventually, I placed little jasmine flowers all around the pendant and it was done!   

---

That's me for this week, folks. Have a fun weekend and I'll catch up with you soon. Until then,
​xx
​