Hello Honora Fans!  You may know me from Honora’s Facebook page from the Nic’s Pick’s posts where I choose a new color or style that I love every week.  For those of you who may not know me, I’m Nicole!  I work in Honora’s main office and am a big pearl fan.  One of my favorite perks of working here is trying on and playing with all of the newest pearl jewelry that L’array and Julie are creating.  Since you guys seem to enjoy Nic’s Pick’s we thought it was time to take it to the “next level”, so be sure to check back as I will be posting monthly on all things fashion!

Making sure you guys get the most out of your pearls is so important to us here at Honora, so today I want to talk about getting more out of longer pearl necklaces.  If you are like me, versatility is super important and you want to get the most out of the clothes and accessories you buy.  One of my favorite lengths is 54”, I want to show you just some of the many ways this can be worn:

It can be worn once around for a dramatic effect that really elongates the torso.

You can also “double up” longer pearl necklaces, or even triple them for a great layered look.

A fun “throw back” to the 1920’s is taking the pearl rope and knotting it around the midpoint.

If you have a pearl shortener you can torsade a necklace by holding it at both ends and twisting it, and using the shortener to clasp it.

I personally have taken one of these longer pearl necklaces and worn it so it hangs down my back like the famous photograph of Coco Chanel shown at the start of this post.  This was answered by rave reviews from friends at a formal New Years Eve party.

Whatever the look you are going for, whether it’s formal or fashion, longer pearl necklaces are the perfect way to make a statement.  It really doesn’t matter if I am just running errands or going to a gala, I love experimenting with these longer looks.  Let me know what you think in the comments section, which look is your favorite?  Have you tried something I didn’t think of?  Tune in next month or subscribe to The Honora Blog for pearl fashion tips and be sure to check out my weekly Nic’s Pick over on Facebook!

To celebrate the launch of The Sunrise Collection and our upcoming Pearl Harvest shows on QVC, we are holding a contest for a chance to win a Sterling Silver 8-9MM Baroque Sunrise Collection 36″ Necklace.  Click here to enter into the contest and be sure to share the news! If we get to 3000 fans on the Honora Facebook Fan Page, Joel and Ralph are going to double the prize and offer a second necklace to members of our mailing list (by entering this contest, you automatically join that list).

See our newest collection of pearl jewelry and let us know what you think of Sunrise in the comments section.  To learn more about our April 3rd and 4th Pearl Harvest shows on QVC, check out our latest post on our QVC Blog.

This image depicts the words that most commonly appeared in all of your stories!

I really want to thank everyone who shared their touching stories for the “Nic Picks Your Most Romantic Story Contest”, I truly enjoyed reading each and every one!!!  Whether it was a friend, a spouse or family member, each story centered around one of my favorite themes, LOVE. As usual, everyone who shared made it impossible to pick a winner, as each story so romantic in its own way.  I really connected with Margaret Motto’s story about Jim and her sister Anne.  I love how fate brought them together in the end even though they had been right in front of each other the whole time.  I hope you all enjoy their’s story as much as I did (and Margaret, I hope you LOVE your new necklace!  Be sure to share it with Anne from time to time!).

In the Fall of 1998 my mother, a teacher, was assigned to hall duty during 7th period. A young man teaching 4th grade happened to have 7th period free as well and socialized with her in the hall. She had been his teacher years prior and having gone from teacher and student to then colleauges presented an interesting relationship. My mother would say to him ” you’re such a nice guy, why don’t you have a girlfriend”. He replied that in our small town there were not a lot of eligible ladies. My mother said “I have a daugher coming home from college for Christmas”.  It was all set. Jim, the younger teacher had been given the daughter’s phone number and the rest was “up to him”.
December 23, 1998 Anne, having arrived via train from college earlier in the day, was eating dinner with her family when the phone rang. Anne, the youngest, knew the call was coming and in hopes to avoid the ears of her siblings took the call in a quiet room. They talked for 45 minutes in which Jim asked Anne for a date on the day after Christmas and to a concert a month later. Anne was surprised that this guy was so eager to spend time with her when they had not even met, but she was excited and the anticipation of meeting him filled her for the next few days.
On December 26 Jim picked Anne up in the early afternoon. They spent a 2 hour car ride together talking easily as they drove to their destination. Jim planned a view from a lighthouse as the sunset, dinner at a nice restaurant, and a place with live music to top off the night. They returned to Anne’s house at midnight and continued to stay up talking until 3 am. The date lasted over 10 hours and they had not run out of conversation.

There was this feeling inside them that they were meant to be together. The conversation was easy but fruitful. The attraction to the whole person was there and they kept saying to themselves that it was uncanny that Anne’s mother had introduced them. And more surprising having grown up in the same small town and attended rival high schools they had many friends in common but had never met.

In July of 2003 Anne and Jim marry. In September of 2009 they welcomed their son, Samuel into the world. In June of 2009 Anne’s mother retired from teaching and in her retirement speach she thanked the school for having given her a job for so many years, the joy of the staff and the students and giving her a son-in-law she loves very much. She said in her speach – you never know when your destiny is putting people in your life or situations in front of you to prompt you to unite with what was always meant to be.

While Anne’s mother did the “matchmaking” Anne and Jim believe that their meeting was predetermined Divinely. And, they have the proof.   June of 1997, a year and 6 months before their first date Jim attended a party at a friend’s house. It was the last day of school for Jim and the end of his first year as a teacher. A photograph from that night has Jim standing with his arms in the air on his friend’s backyard patio. His smile fills the picture.   And underneath his right arm, sitting on a bench not too far away, is Anne.   As a gift to Anne, Jim framed the photo and gave it to her as a wedding gift because he said he wanted her to know that she was his destiny.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to share their stories with us and I cannot wait for the next Nic Pick’s You Contest here on The Honora Blog.  Let us know what you think of Jim and Anne’s story below and feel free to share your own in the comments section!

I cannot wait to read your entries and may even be inspired to share my own!  Don’t worry if this has nothing to do with our Freshwater Pearls, we just really would love to hear your own romantic story.  As it has been a while since our last contest, we have something special for the winner!  The author of my favorite story will receive one of our newest Cherry pieces, a 13-14MM Coin Freshwater Pearl 36″ Necklace valued at $490 MSRP that is pictured in this post.  This item is so new, that it isn’t even featured on our Pearl Jewelry Collection pages yet!

Please tell us your story in the comments section below to ensure that you are entered into the contest.  We will accept entries through Wednesday, February 17th and I will feature the winner and their romantic story here on The Honora Blog the very next day.  If you haven’t joined us on our Facebook Fan Page, be sure to check it out and be on the lookout for my weekly pics!  I am looking forward to a difficult decision!

While a few offered up suggestions, we were surprised by how many women simply bought themselves whatever they wanted and thanked their husband for footing the bill.  While efficient, it isn’t exactly romantic and we think guys need to put in some effort this year.  Here are a few suggestions that will help even the clueless figure out the perfect gift to ensure romance (and brownie points) on Valentine’s Day.

Ask Her Friend For Help – This is a terrific approach on two fronts: The first obviously being that her female friend will more than likely have a far greater ability to recognize and select a present your significant other will actually like. The second, more long-term (and mildly selfish) strategy is that her friends can make terrific allies for you in the future and it never hurts to make a good impression with her girls.

Make Her Feel Unique – While most men like to play it safe, you might consider taking a small risk that might pay off. We have to stress: nothing over the top, but introducing some color and flair into the gift (based on her taste) shows confidence and understanding of her unique personality.

Web History – Short of being creepy, the occasional glance at your significant other’s web history can provide insight and gift ideas.  Many women consider online browsing to be a recreational hobby and you might just get lucky.

Thought Trumps Price – As cheesy as the saying is, it’s really the thought that counts, especially when you take the time to figure out what she would want.  Find something you know she’ll love that she probably wouldn’t buy herself.  That doesn’t mean you have to spend an arm and a leg, just show that you listen and understand her and it’ll mean so much more.

Just Ask Her – This is a shockingly well-received approach for the man without a clue. Usually a good 10 ideas are in the chamber, just waiting for you to pull the trigger and ask… but let’s call this a last resort.

We know this is an overwhelming task, so always feel free to call in an expert.  In fact, if she happens to like pearl jewelry, we are happy to help!  You can always check out our latest collections here and call The Honora Store fashionistas for professional advice at 212.308.8707 or email them at retail57@honora.com.  Either way, we wish you the best at wowing her on February 14th!  Good luck Guys!

It has been an exciting year for both Honora and for the Freshwater Pearls we are so passionate about and we truly appreciate all of your support and feedback.  We have lots of exciting and new pearl jewelry planned for everyone in 2010 and cannot wait to show you the latest pearl colors and designs that L’array and the team at Honora have dreamed up.

There are lots of exciting plans here on The Honora Blog for the coming year, but be sure to let us know if there are things you would like to hear more about in the comments section.  For now, thank you so much for an amazing 2009 and here is to a fantastic and colorful 2010!

Each week I choose my favorite Freshwater Pearl look, post a picture wearing my “Pick” and tell you why I chose it.  I LOVE wearing the jewelry and posing in it, but most of all I LOVE your feedback!!

A few weeks ago we decided to shake things up and did our first “Nic Picks You!” contest.  Fans posted pictures wearing their favorite Honora looks.  We loved seeing how you wear your pearls so much that we are going to make the “Nic Picks You!” contest a once-a-month thing!  Sometimes we will ask for pictures, sometimes we will ask to know a bit more about you and your love of pearls.

This week we want to hear your pearl story.  Tell us about how you became passionate about pearls, when you first discovered this lustrous gem or even the story of your favorite piece of pearl jewelry.  It doesn’t even have to be about Honora… I want to hear it all!

While Wednesday is usually “Nic’s Pick’s” day, we are going to give you until Thursday, October 22nd to post your story on our Facebook page or in the comments below on this post.  You can also send a picture along with your story; it will certainly help your chances!  I will pick my favorite story the very next day and the winner will have their story posted on our blog and have a choice of one of our new earring box sets!

Keep an eye out each month for upcoming “Nic Pick’s You” contests on our Facebook Fan Page and be sure to let me know what you think of my weekly picks!