‘La Joyas’

Jessica Marchand’s love for jewelry started during her travels when she found herself searching for the perfect accessory that would evoke memories of the countries she visited.

Marchand established her brand La Joyas (The Jewelry) and promptly participated in the international trade show circuit where she built ties with various suppliers and artisans. Marchand shares, “Right now 50 percent of La Joyas’ items are made from exotic stingrays from Thailand, 40 percent of the items are pre-Columbian jewelry from Colombia and 10 percent are colored buffalo horns from Vietnam. I also hope in the near future to be able to expand and introduce new accessories every three months from targeted countries. The idea is to have a combination of pieces that are culturally rich but also wearable. My travels for La Joyas enable the discovery of the very best natural resources from unique leathers and skins to semi-precious gems, gold and silver. Unique leathers are individually selected, including the most coveted skin of stingray well crafted into accessories such as bangles, rings, necklaces and evening clutches. Some items are customized and exclusively distributed by La Joyas.”

When asked to share tips on accessorizing, Marchand offers the following advice:

* If you want to look stylish, think accessories. Women’s accessories can help reflect their personality and preferences without being outlandish. Accessories can be great for defining a woman’s assets and minimizing the less favorable features.

* Make sure your jewelry complements your clothing neckline. If you’re wearing an open V-neck blouse or sweater, then a lovely necklace will complement.

* If you have a detailed neckline with fancy trimmings, try nice bracelets and eye-catching earrings.

* If you have complex necklace and bracelet, wear them with something simple.

* A long necklace will draw the focus away from your neck and face if that’s your goal. Avoid wearing earrings that bring all attention to your ears; they should complement your outfit but not overpower it.

* Last but not the least, know that it is OK to explore what is trendy yet fashionable. Mix and match your accessories so your outfits will always be appealing and fashionable. Women’s accessories can be fun to pick out and wear once you know how to shop. If you need help in getting started, pick up some women’s magazines to discover what looks good with what and find the styles that you like and experiment till you find what looks good on you.

* Take care of your accessories. Put on accessories only after applying lotion and perfume as the chemicals in these products may tarnish the pieces. Jewelry should always be taken off before swimming as chlorine may damage metal and gemstones. Use a chamois cloth when cleaning jewelry as other fabrics may scratch the jewelry surface. Metal tarnish may be eliminated by using ammonia, soap and lukewarm water.

* Long necklaces can get tangled and weaken the chain so it is advisable to hang them in an inexpensive corkboard or wall. Bracelets, rings and earrings should be put individually in a pouch or clear plastic containers so that each piece won’t scratch the other (Marchand personally uses a Ziploc bag).

* Store jewelry away from extreme temperature, sunlight and humidity, some gemstones may actually fade when exposed to sun all day.

(For more information about La Joyas, call 0917-7942678, visit www.facebook.com/lajoyas or Lajoyasjewelry on Instagram.)

Oops... Myth’s creative consultant/head designer is Randy Ortiz and not Pablo Cabahug as stated in my column titled “The Pablo principle” last Oct. 20. Cabahug is Myth’s in-house designer.