by Jane L. Bullock

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Introduction

I was lucky enough to be one of the first (along with Karen) to "test-drive" Dawn's new RareGems Floating Hair Jewels.

Dawn sent Karen and I the three sets of her brand new hair jewels;

Genuine set of 10 white cultured pearls in a lovely long-stemmed rose box
A set of 10 bright blue cabochons in a cute honeybear box
Beautiful collection of 10 amethyst, peridot, blue aquamarine, and honey topaz colored genuine Swarovski crystals in a drop-dead gorgeous black velvet baby grand piano box

sprayofamethystperidotaquamarineinhair.jpg (25709 bytes) Swarovski crystals are world famous for their breathtaking look of real gemstones. They are fully faceted the way real radiant-cut gemstones are, and are prized for their beauty and refractive quality.

As Karen said in her preview, custom orders will eventually be available in a wide range of gems and colors. If you submit a special request through the Hair Boutique Dawn will provide a written e-mail quote on your request.

Details of My "Test-drive"

I love the idea of hair jewels! Short-hairs like me just don't get many hair accessory opportunities, and they look fantastic in the hair. The jewels have a tiny Velcro backing that clings easily to hair without damaging it.

The Pearls

1017.jpg (20064 bytes) I have a weakness for pearls, and can never have enough. Dawn's cultured pearls are about 5mm, and are satiny white and gorgeous.

Each pearl is set in a bezel of either polished brass (gold colored), surgical steel (silver colored), genuine sterling silver or gold filled. I like the fact that Dawn gives you the choice of the bezel you want as well as the color of the Velcro (white, black or tan).

The pearls set in the gold filled or sterling silver bezel make them really "pop". The set of 10 pearls also comes with a dainty set of pearl studs (about 3mm), a perfect size for anyone.

I tried them sprinkled in my bangs, and around the crown of my head, and they made a really striking look.

I would definitely wear these out to dinner, to any formal event--shoot, I like these so much I'd wear them to work with jeans!

The pearls would be a heavenly accessory for a bride. Whether or not you wore a veil, these would give a dressy look without a lot of fuss.

These would also work beautifully with a prom dress. One of the best features about these hair jewels is that they really do stay in your hair, so wear them dancing and don't worry!

Jane's Rating for the Pearls

On my own scale of 1-10, 10 being the best, I give Dawn's pearls a 9.5. As I said, I have a special place in my heart for pearls, so the rating is slightly higher for them!

The Blue Cabochons

Each set comes complete with 10 glorious jewels, in a mixture of shades of royal amethyst, ice blue aquamarine, honey topaz and fresh green peridot, nestled into their own velvet baby grand piano case.

If you would like to specify all one color of shades rather than the mixture of shades you may select all 10 jewels of one color (amethyst, aquamarine, topaz, peridot) to suit your personal tastes, hair color or wardrobe!

Cabochon refers to the cut of a stone, in this case, the stone is rounded and not faceted so that the color is widely reflected.

The color is the most delicious deep blue--imagine a lake at midday with the sun shining overhead and you'll get a pretty accurate picture.

The set of 10 crystal stones comes with a free tiny pair of honey topaz stud earrings. Although I generally like a larger earring (these are about one quarter carat, total weight), I have to say that these little sparklers give your earlobes a bewitching twinkle.

As with the pearls, each stone nestles in a bezel of either polished brass (gold colored), surgical steel (silver colored), genuine sterling silver or gold filled. I like the fact that Dawn gives you the choice of the bezel or backing you want as well as the color of the Velcro (white, black or tan).

The size of the stones is roughly about a carat. Even in dark brown hair like mine, these blue stones looked wonderful.

When I tried them on I was wearing denim, and the stones worked beautifully with it. These have a more casual look than the pearls, and you could wear them as an everyday ornament and get away with it.

Jane's Rating for the Blue Cabochons

On my own scale of 1-10, 10 being the best, I give Dawn's Blue Cabochons a 9.

The Multi-Colored Assortment

The 10-stone set in the baby grand piano box gives you an assortment of amethyst, peridot, blue topaz, and honey topaz colored crystals.

Each stone is set in the gold bezel, and the stones are about a carat size. You also receive a pair of tiny blue sterling silver crystal stone earrings.

I tried these arranged in a fun way in my hair; I placed the stones by color. Starting in my bangs, I wore the honey topaz, then the aquamarine, then the amethysts, and ended with the peridots at the back of my head.

It was a good look, and you can make up any combination you like.

Jane's Rating for the Multi-Colored Assortment

On my own scale of 1-10, 10 being the best, I give Dawn's Multi-Colored Assortment a 9.

Conclusion

Dawn's new RareGems Floating Hair Jewels are wonderful accessories, and women of any age would look good wearing them. The cute boxes the jewels come in are a nice extra, and would make great gifts.

The jewels would be gorgeous worn to a wedding, prom, dance, the movies; just about everywhere. They would also be enchanting in candlelight.

The hook & loop style backing Dawn used for the hair jewels are enough to keep them in place, but not enough to tear the hair. I really tried to dislodge them by shaking my head, and they stay put.

I highly recommend Dawn's new RareGems Floating Hair Jewels for their look, ease of use, packaging, and versatility.

Evaluation Of Dawn's Floating Hair Gems