How to Know the Difference Between Coconut & Calabash Jewellery

It's a question we get often. Is this coconut or calabash? We love incorporating the multi-purpose Calabash & Coconut husks into the authentic designs we create. Let me gladly point out that both the Calabash & Coconut products are long loved and used for years by diverse Jamaican artisans…and for good reasons.

Perhaps the “natural” attraction of the popular organic Calabash and Coconut is in the beauty of the material and its versatility. It can be used polished or unpolished, varnished or unvarnished and can be cut into many different shapes and styles.  

Coconut and Calabash made jewellery and accessories both add to the authenticity and feel of the unique Caribbean style and culture. They add spice to almost any outfit and are versatile enough to be worn by either sex. Many persons (Jamaicans and visitors) don’t know the difference between the Coconut & the Calabash; but can you recognize the difference between the two? 

Here are some characteristics:

• they are both very durable and brown in appearance. 
• Coconut is more dense, thus is heavier .
• Coconut also has a richer shade of brown (just like dark chocolate) in comparison to its counterpart the Calabash. Once you get to know them, it is pretty easy to tell the difference.
• Calabash, though lighter, does not break as easily. 

I must admit that we have a bias and we at Rêve really do enjoy working the Calabash more than the Coconut for several reasons:

• We find it to be an easier material to cut out and carve into compared to the thicker shell of the Coconut.
• Calabash is very porous, so you can dye it to create a variety of colours and shades, so we can go a bold with our designs as we like and our RȆVEllers love that!
• As mentioned before, it more durable than the Coconut.

THE BIG BONUS

You can enjoy the most dramatic of Ear-Rings without the sacrifice of the heavy weight, strain or pressure on  the ear lobes….and when worn around the neckline, there is little or no discomfort to that of beads or stones that many trendy designs are guilty of sometimes causing.

So, the next time you are browsing our online store, booth display at an event  or our stopping in at the showroom in Kingston, Jamaica be sure to pick up a few our authentic and original designs incorporating the Calabash and Coconut pieces for yourself or a friend… you will be glad you did!

Rêve Jewellery & Accessories is located at 

Shop#13, DEVON House courtyard in Kingston Jamaica. 

Tel (876)908-2498 or Email revejewellery2006@gmail.com

Budget Bridal Jewellery Tips – Rêve Bridal Special

Weddings are usually expensive but, your wedding jewellery doesn't have to be. In today's post we'll be giving you some simple tips and tricks for selecting inexpensive wedding jewellery and looking beautiful on your wedding day. 

TIP 1. DON'T OVER-ACCESSORISE or OVER-SPEND 

Hair slides and knobs available at Rêve for only $600 JMD

You don't have to wear jewellery. Yes, you read right. If your outfit is highly embellished with sequins and tons of layers, adding jewellery to the mix can make you look overdone. You can also opt for very simple, inexpensive, high-quality faux pieces pieces. Rêve is currently having a bridal special for two hair slides and matching faux pearl studs for only 600 Jamaican dollars in our Devon House (Kingston, Jamaica) store. That is less than 8 US dollars! These would be perfect for a busy dress. The sale is on while supplies last. Get your pair now.

TIP 2.  STAY TRUE TO YOU

Source – naughtyshorts.blogspot.com

We don't really want you to overdo it but you should wear jewellery that reflects your personality. If you are simple, go simple. If you like drama, go for that. It is your day and you are the one who should feel absolutely beautiful.

TIP 3.  CONSIDER YOUR HAIRSTYLE

Curly haired bride opting for hair accessories

Consider your hairstyle or headpiece. You don't want your drop earrings getting tangled in your beautiful drop curls at every turn. Select jewellery that will work with your hair. Some women opt to wear jewellery that matches the dresses of their bridesmaids. This is fine but also consider how it may work with your hair colour as well. Oh, and don't forget to try the jewellery on with the selected hairstyle and headpiece (or something close to it) to see whether you like it at all. 

TIP 4.  RENT  YOUR JEWELLERY

Beautiful bride in hand-made jewellery from Rêve.

As you can see in the picture above, Rêve does custom hand-made pieces for weddings. You can also rent pieces from the store as well. We can even take a look at your dress and suggest styles that may work well for you. Check with your favourite goldsmith to see whether this is a real option for you or contact Rêve today (revejewellery2006@gmail.com). Check out one of our popular rented pieces below. 

Aisha wearing Rêve Jewellery

TIP 5.  REMEMBER THE BRIDESMAIDS

Source – TheKnot.com

Wearing jewellery that clashes with your bridesmaids can be a disaster. Keep them uniformed in simple and inexpensive jewellery.  Since it will most likely be in your style and may not be their preference, opt for faux diamonds or pearls and try to buy them well in advance. They could also be your gift to them for participating. 

TIP 6.  FIRST THINGS FIRST & LAST THINGS LAST

What should you select first? Utilise your wedding organiser. First, figure out what are you most attached to. If you're all about your jewellery, select that first then build everything around it. If you're most excited about the dress, focus on building from there onwards. Lastly and most importantly, try EVERYTHING on together. This will ensure that you are 100% happy with your choices before the big day. Write your schedule down when you begin planning and stick to your schedule as closely as possible to avoid the last-minute rush.

TIP 6.  DON'T DELAY

Get your selected items way in advance. You can always tweak closer to the date. The truth is that things don't stay in stores forever. Try it and buy it now so that you can be sure that you will have it on your big day. If you change your mind, sell it on eBay. LOL.

RÊVE JEWELLERY BRIDAL SPECIAL

Today's post was inspired by the BRIDAL SPECIAL  that we currently have in our Devon House store. Get a pair of faux pearl studs and matching slides for just $600! It's definitely a steal and nobody will know that the pearls are real. Keep it simple and

Hair slides and knobs available at Rêve for only $600 JMD

Rêve Jewellery & Accessories is located at 

Shop#13, DEVON House courtyard in Kingston Jamaica. 

Tel (876)908-2498 or Email revejewellery2006@gmail.com

Monday Music | Cherine Anderson "Haffi Come Back"

Cherine is no "honorable" RÊVEller. She's a real, true ride or die supporter of Rêve Jewellery so we felt like giving her a  big SHOUT IT on today's Monday Music. Check out one of her videos below and brighten up your day with "Haffi Come Back." We're always happy to provide her with jewellery to add to her spice during her videos. She also wears Rêve fabulously on and off screen. Love you girl!

Visit Rêve on Facebook HERE. 

How to Manage a Nickel (Jewellery) Allergy

Nickel Jewellery Allergy

Ever wonder why your ears keep itching every time you wear jewellery? You may have a nickel allergy. That, however isn't the only symptom that can appear within 6 to 24 hours of wearing nickel jewellery. If you are not sure, your doctor can administer simple tests to help with diagnosis. If you are interested in diagnosing yourself, symptoms of nickel allergy include:

• itching
• redness
• dry patches
• rash
• blisters 
• swelling

Some treatments include creams and antihistamine pills. The best way to avoid all of these expensive treatments, however, if to avoid nickel.

How to Avoid Nickel Allergies

• Buy your favourite earrings and get the backings or posts changed to hypo-allergenic materials to which you aren't allergic. Rêve will amend almost any earring to make it wearable and allergy-free for your use and enjoyment.
• Get your wedding rings made by a jeweller. Rêve does custom made pieces as well. Just email your request and desired design to revejewellery2006@gmail.com. 
• If  you already have your wedding ring, it can be plated. 
• Choose your piercing studio carefully and ensure that your piercings and tattoos are done with sterile, surgical-grade stainless steel instruments. 
• Buy titanium or plastic glasses and jewellery. 
• When shopping, look for jewellery labelled hypo-allergenic. 
• White gold often contains nickel so just avoid it unless your jeweller can confirm that it does not contain the metal and ensure that
• Nickel-free metals include copper, platinum, titanium and 14 karat gold (or higher). 
• Avoid metal watch bands and  wear those made of leather, cloth or plastic.