Jewelry Blog by 1928

Philanthropic efforts and causes connect our entire company. Everyone at 1928, from our CEO to our customer service department actively participates in community efforts. In fact, 10% of our web sales are donated every month to non-profit groups in California.

When we see other brands and retailers campaigning to make the world we live in a better place, we’re compelled to write about it and show our support.

For their 125th anniversary, BVLGARI created an anniversary ring to benefit Save the Children.  The sterling silver ring is a tribute to Sotirio Bulgari (the company’s founder) and features Save the Children’s logo engraved on the inside.  Each ring will sell for $290.00, of which $60.00 will be donated to the Rewrite the Future campaign.

To launch the project Bulgari also created a special designated web site featuring one-of-a-kind photographs, taken by well-known Italian photographer Fabrizio Ferri, of a number of the project’s celebrity supporters, who include: Willem Dafoe, Ellen DeGeneres, Portia De Rossi, Benicio Del Toro, Sally Field, Fiorello, Andy Garcia, Valeria Golino, Terrance Howard, Hugh Jackman, January Jones, Jason Lewis, Debra Messing, Julianne Moore, Gabriele Muccino, Kimberly Peirce, Isabella Rossellini, Ben Stiller and Sting.

Bulgari Save The Children Pendant Ring

About BVLGARI’s fundraising initiative for Save the Children’s Rewrite the Future Campaign

With the Rewrite the Future campaign, BVLGARI is committed to providing quality education to 8 million children living in conflict-affected areas by the end of 2010.  Considerable progress has already been made by rebuilding schools, supplying much needed school supplies, and protecting children from abuse and exploitation — thus paving the way for a durable change in almost 6 million children’s lives.   Bulgari’s ultimate goal is to raise €10 million for Save the Children by the end of 2009, of which €1 million will be donated in advance to kick off the initiative. In addition to the silver ring, Bulgari will auction a collection of one-of-a-kind jewelry and limited edition time pieces that have a total value of €3 million at Christie’s in New York on December 8, 2009.

One the most notable parts of this campaign is that The Bulgari Group will not profit from the initiatives connected with this project, it all goes to charity.

To purchase the Save the Children ring, visit the Bulgari Save The Children Site.

Jessica Alba - Bulgari by Fabrizio Ferri

Tagged: bulgari, causes, celebrity, jewelry, sales, Save The Children

I’m always amazed by the women that wear our jewelry. The all possess this innate ability to take a piece and make it theirs and mold it to fit their own personal style.

I find myself saying, “WOW! How did you figure that out? I never in a million years would’ve thought to pair pair that earring with that necklace.” The women that wear 1928, 2028 or Antiquities Couture use their accessories to tell the story of who they are and what their personal style is.

Melissa Pierce

Melissa Pierce is an amazing woman whom I had the distinct pleasure of accidentally living with at SXSW this year (in a posh, upscale hotel of course). Don’t call her a mommy blogger, she won’t identify with the term (she may just cut you). She is female documentary film maker making a movie called Life In Perpetual Beta. In the film, she poses the question of: Is A Planned Life Worth Living? She interviews some of the most brilliant minds in business today, including Zappos.com CEO Tony Hsieh, Social Marketing Guru & Author Seth Golden, Twitter Founder Evan Williams. Melissa prefers her 1928, shaken with extra “blingy hotness”.

Shira Lazar

Recently nominated to the list of LA’s People To Watch in 2009 (via LA Weekly), Shira Lazar is a force to be reckoned with. Shira is known for  for her media work on KTLA, NBC, CBS and the Reelz Channel. She saw the rise of the web early on, she embraced new media and has become “the human manifestation of the convergence of tech and entertainment” (Alexia Tsotsis). Shira, who just *happens* to be the stepsister of American Apparel’s Dov Charney, is causing quite commotion in Los Angeles with her avante garde reporting style. Best of all, she rocks Macy’s 2028 Jewelry with just about everything she wears – on camera and off.

Tara Hunt

Tara Hunt gives the term business savvy female entrepreneur a whole new meaning. Author of the soon to be released book The Whuffie Factor: Using Social Networks To Build Your Business, Tara gives her audience (speaking, written or in pictures) a no nonsense explanations of how companies can use social media to build brand awareness, equity and customer loyalty online. She even has amazing PowerPoint presentations that you can download on SlideShare to help your company understand social media. 1928 Jewelry was proud to be her jewelry sponsor this year at the SXSW Interactive Festival in Austin, TX.

Stephanie Agresta

Stephanie Agresta is another marketing guru sans brilliant business woman who loves the Antiquities Couture & 2028 Jewelry lines. We love Stephanie’s business style; practical and holistic. She helps clients navigate through the complexities of online marketing with one-on-one consulting and develop plans that promote their products and services through social media. She’s the brains behind Microsoft TechSet events, the InternetGeekGirl blog and runs Affiliate Karma (which means she knows affiliate marketing like no one’s business).

Alexia Tsotsis

Most people, unless you’re a Los Angeleno Tech Scene member, may not know the gorgeous, kind and incredibly talented Alexia Tsotsis. Alexia is the newest addition to the LA Weekly’s editorial staff (her work also appears in New York’s Village Voice). Alexia jumped at my radar at a Digital LA event, I finally cornered her at TwiistUp and got to know her. This petite, unassuming girl turned out to be a writing powerhouse. I was floored. I kept running into her in around Los Angeles and finally handed her 1928 Jewelry. I had to have our jewelry on someone that makes a room glow when she walks in. Alexia is just getting started but I expect to see great things from her. Hopefully we get a bit of credit for sparking her ascent up the media ladder.

Tagged: causes, earrings, events, find, jewelry, marketing, movies

The Black Card Circle Foundation hosted it’s Black Tie Charity Event at the Ritz-Carlton Residences in Los Angeles, California.

On February 7th, 2009, 1928 Jewelry had the distinct pleasure of sponsoring The Black Card Circle Foundation’s semi-annual black tie event. Supporters and donors alike attended to make a difference supporting the 501(c)(3) Black Card Circle Foundation (BCCF) and the two beneficiary charities for the evening: New Horizons and Project by Project, two IRS recognized 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations that promote Self-Reliance and Sustainability. You can follow BCCF on Twitter or via Causes.

The Jewelry – vintage Inspired 1928 Jewelry Collection – Ciejo Rojo.

Hand-rolled cigars, they couldn’t help but remind us of Humphrey Bogart and Casablanca.

The Bling – we shop so much we can speak Italian.

The beautiful Nikola Rachelle performed sultry jazz/ R&B songs with a voice that rivals Adele & Joss Stone. Does anyone know who she really is?

Carlos Santana donated an autographed guitar.

Publicist & Los Angeles Online Personality Amanda Coolong wore vintage couture, Macala’s Manolos and 1928 Jewelry.

Black Card Circle President Lotay Yang & Artist Natasha Heathcoat

Black Card Circle Marketing Director Mike Prasad

What was in the bag? Maserti swag, 1928 Jewelry, Gingi Cosmetics and more!

Courvoisier tastings and hand rolled cigars were on the table that night.

The beautiful Tara Hunt shined.

Photos courtesy of Kerry Moy.

Tagged: causes, charity, events, jewelry, photos, Vintage

Can anyone believe it’s actually February? I feel like 2009 is going by at lightning speed. My birthday this past weekend an it was amazingly fun and eventful. But now it’s Monday, and I am like, last weekend was my birthday, this weekend is Valentine’s Day.

So what do you do for V-Day? Some of you are single and some of you have beaus to spend time with; some of you hate V-Day and some lavish in it. So no matter your feeling on this day that worships a lil’ naked baby with wings, you are gonna feel the sting of his arrow. Here are our top ideas!

Valentine’s Day For The Single Girl or Guy

1. Go see a movie – Confessions of a Shopaholic comes out Friday! I have mixed feelings on this one, but I love Sophie Kinsella and have read the majority of her books. I have to see if the movie translates as well as Candace Brunshell’s did for Sex and the City. Plus, over the top Carrie Bradshaw-esque fashion is always a must see.

2. Get thrifty and – maybe – get famous – Have you recently purchased something from 1928.com? Well, I have a challenge for you. Go to your local thrift store and buy something vintagy to go with it, but you can’t spend more than $50 on the whole shabang. Want to be even more creative and frugal? I am willing to accept you diving into the depths of your closet and creating an outfit that is uniquely you out of what you have. Take a picture and email it to me at macalaw at 1928.com. Not matter if I like it/love it/hate it, I will showcase it on the blog.You can also upload it to our facebook fan page.

3. Try some healthy/ alternative cooking – Anyone around here will tell you I am health nut, so I challenge you to try some healthy cooking. This weekend, I made my own gluten-free cookies. Healthy doesn’t necessarily mean fat free/low carb, it means health smart. Removing certain things from your daily diet can improve your health. Wanna  good book, I suggest then pick up French Women Don’t Get Fat and learn how eating locally and in small proportions can cause drastic differences on your waist line.

4. Use Facebook to get fashionably connected – I know the majority of our readers are on facebook, and if your not, then you need to be! If you want to keep V-Day low key, stay in and work on your Facebook feeds. You be suprised about how many of your favorite brands are constructively using Facebook – Hayden Harnett, H & M, Gap, BCBG and even 1928. You can find discounts, private sales and things that just are offered anywhere else – not even your on your most secret coupon sites.

Facebook is where it’s at. You can also find local networking events, concerts and other things that will make you feel like the queen diva of your area. Great example: I went to a jazz concert with my beaut at Hotel Cafe in Hollywood to Julianna Raye, very low key. But afterwards, Sara Barielles took the stage in a secret concert (yeah, the “I’m Not Gonna Write You A Love Song” girl), followed by acustic sets from Counting Crows. Kate Hudson was sitting in the crowd too. All because of Facebook back channels.

5. Wash away the whining with some wine – Not a huge fan of this holiday, fine. But please don’t whine and moan about it. Instead, go to your local Cost Plus, World Market (yes, it’s okay, we are living in hard times and they have great prices on wine and a fairly good selections) and explore Italy, France and Spain through some vintage vino. Expand your palate, if your a Chardonnay girl, then try a Pinot Noir or get gutsy and try a Grenache or Spanish Temperanillo. Reds go well with the dark chocolate you can buy yourself.

Valentine’s Day For The Coupled Girl or Guy

1. Create a French style open table meal and a romantic evening at home – I don’t know if you have a La Pain Quotidien in your area, but they’re a staple to LA living. I suggest taking the theme of a country open table and bring it home. This requires a trip to Whole Foods or the local farmer’s market. Buy a loaf of bread, three to five different styles of cheese, strawberries and pears. You can add a bit of Middle Eastern/Greek flair by purchasing olive tempanade, hummus and cucumbers. Also make sure you pick up a few organic mixed greens for a light salad. Cut them up, lay them out on open platters (finger food style). Take a blanket or table cloth and spread it out on the floor in your living room or bedroom, wherever you have more space. Open a bottle of very fine bubbly or wine of your choosing. You can have a romantic evening to yourselves. What comes after the food is up to you. This blog only goes to PG-13.

2. Weekend wine escapes - If you live near a vineyard, then take a weekend escape. In California, the wineries in Napa, Monterey (may I recommend Ventana), Santa Barbara and even Temecula are having V-Day specials that start at $25 per person!

3. Create something that special to you - The couple’s recommendations are shorter than the single ones. Personally, I think couples need to create an experience that is unqiue to them. While some of us enjoy crowds and people, others would perfer a weekend alone. So visit the place you first met, do something that both of you have never done before, visit your local contemporary art museum; whatever allows the two of you to connect and rekindle some steamy, hot passion.

Tagged: buy, causes, counting crows, events, fashion, find, free, julianna raye, romance, sales, sara barielles, Vintage

Not everything is light-hearted and beautiful in life, sometimes I think people forget that there are tens of thousands of people facing issues of abuse issues every day.  For me, child abuse is an issue that too many sweep under the rug, because people are afraid to speak up or get involved. Well speaking up or at least bringing suspected abuse to the attention of someone who’s in a position to help can save the life of a child. In an effort to bring awareness to some the biggest issues in the US today, the “I’m Tired” campaign was launched. 

So what can you do? 

While we all don’t have time in our lives to volunteer, we can always get involved.

The “I’m Tired of” bracelet concept was sparked by the success of Lance Armstrong’s effort to raise money for cancer with a simple silicone bracelet. When they set their criteria, they decided that, like Armstrong’s, first and foremost, it had to be inexpensive so everyone could afford it. 

These eco friendly and fashionable bracelets have quickly become a celebrity favorite. Jenny McCarthy, Lance Bass, Shannon Elizabeth, Willa Holland, Kim Kardashian, and Christina Milian are all fans of the bracelets. 

What are you tired of? Cancer, Global Warming, AIDS, Animal Cruelty, Diabetes, Heart Disease, World Hunger, Alzheimer’s, Autism, Child Abuse and more bracelets are available at www.imtiredonline.com. 

For every $10 bracelet sold, they donate $5 (that’s half) to important causes. You pick the cause and your bracelet and the donation will automatically be made on your behalf. 

So what are you going to actively say you are TIRED of?

Tagged: causes, charity, Jewelry Contests