All things pretty.

As promised, I'm continuing my little Hello Kitty post collection with a second post this week. After realizing how many Sanrio things I've purchased in the past month or so, I thought dedicating a few posts to my new prizes would be fun. Up next is my new favorite piece of jewelry: a Tarina Tarantino Hello Kitty necklace!

I remember Beth telling me about Tarina's Pink Head collection a long time ago, but I remember dismissing the idea of getting a piece of jewelry for myself because everything seemed too expensive at the time. A few weeks ago, Kathleen and I were talking about Tarina's jewelry and I decided to finally do some serious research on a few of my favorite pieces. This pink Lolita (as seen in the text seen on the bottom of the pendant) necklace was by far my favorite find. The Hello Kitty design on the pendant is my favorite in the Pink Head collection, and I almost passed out from the beautiful shade of hot pink that was used in the pendant. It's not magenta (a hot pink impersonater!), but a true HOT PINK. The scattered beads and shapes seem randomly arranged at first, but the placements of the pearls, heart bead, and bow bead really show that thought was put into the overall design. Also, the combination of the light pink and gold makes the necklace sweet enough to want to eat! Every time I see my necklace, I start craving candy. >w< I used to be more of a "silver girl" and never really cared to wear gold jewelry... but I've recently started wearing a lot more gold. This necklace has completely changed my mind about the color.

Tarina Tarantino Necklace

I wasn't used to seeing Hello Kitty with hair but her Lolita style really grew on me the more I stared at the necklace. Ever since I started looking at Tarina's collections, I've become more interested in designers and their methods of creating new styles. As noted in my last post, I even bought a designer bag/tote soon after this necklace. I don't think I'll turn into a hardcore designer collector, but it's nice being interested in a select few designers every once in a while. ^__~ If the items are super cute and yummy looking, a designer can very easily catch my attention, haha. I really like branching out into new hobbies.

So where did this newfound hobby stem from? As with any hobby of mine, there's a backstory to this new interest in designers and "all things pretty." I think I owe a great thanks to Mom. When it comes to sparkly things, like jewelry, she's the one I instantly think of. Soon after 9/11, Mom started looking at jewelry to help her focus on something positive. Through all the negativity surrounding us in the media and in our everyday lives, she found comfort in learning about pretty stones and metals. She was so fascinated with them that she began to perform research on anything to do with jewelry-- how the stones are made, where they're found, how to tell good stones from bad ones, and what really goes into making a quality piece of jewelry. Since then, Mom has been buying and selling all kinds of unique jewelry, ranging from necklaces to bracelets to rings. Rings are her specialty and favorite buy and sell. Here are a few examples of the photos I've taken of Mom's rings:

Mom's hobby has introduced me to a whole new world of pretty things. While I don't usually wear big pieces of jewelry or stones myself, I have a new appreciation for them. Beth and I have become her little helpers when it comes to selling her jewelry. My job is to take the photos for her sales, while Beth's job is to create the item descriptions. Together, the three of us collaborate to bring a little extra ounce of prettiness to the world. I've been having a lot more fun taking the photos and editing them ever since I graduated. It's easier to concentrate on the projects now that I don't have a zillion things to keep track of in my life. ^^ One day, I think it would be fun to take photos of jewelry professionally. Not only do I love the subject matter, but the photos always turn out so... pretty. ^____~

Comments

[Jamie]

You know it is funny how some times when people describe something you some times get the eh feeling about it but when you actually see it hold it in your hand...sizes, colours and other things that in ones mind said no but in person it some how takes a hold on you! But then again I love sparkly things all kinds of Jewelery but it is so cute the necklace
Also love the squirrel ring with it nibbling on the jewel....... Enjoy your collecting for it is always good to collect things you like!

[Lauren]

It's so true! In person, objects can really change a person's mind. There have been a lot of things that I've changed my mind about when seeing in person for the first time.

I didn't understand my mom's fascination with jewelry at first. I mostly liked vintage/antique jewelry before. But she really changed my mind about it when I learned more about the craftsmanship behind the pieces. Thanks, Jamie!

[nexixen]

So pretty!! ;) 

[Lauren]

Thank you so much. ^___^

[The Faustian Man]

Wow, those are some really cool pics you have up. I am always told how Hello Kitty is really good quality, seeing those pics makes me believe it. Nice collection.

[Lauren]

Thank you, I'm so happy you like the photos. ^__^ Sanrio (creator of Hello Kitty) produces some really great quality products. While Tarina Tarantino created this necklace (while having the rights from Sanrio), she did a wonderful job getting that high quality feel across to customers.

[Leila]

Wow, that is one precious treasure! Its so beautiful. You know Lauren, I've slowly fell in love with Hello Kitty when I first read your blog and now I am a huge fan of Sanrio!!! and gosh those rings!! I love the top left MOST!!! its sooooo beautiful! 

[Lauren]

My necklace means so much to me. It's definitely my favorite necklace to wear. <3

And I'm happy I could help turn you over to the kawaii side of Hello Kitty, haha. ^u^ Sanrio is something that I grew up with and it has affected my life in more ways than I can imagine. It's great knowing that I can help other people enjoy its products and characters just as much!

[Pixie Wildflower]

Those are such wonderful things and SO you!

[Lauren]

Thankies! I felt like the Hello Kitty necklace was made for me when I got it. It was just so perfect. <3 And the other jewelry was fun to take photos of. It's nice getting positive feedback about them because I never get to hear what the buyers think of the photos I take of the jewelry they buy from my mom. ^___^

[Oliver Raney]

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