Sophistication. Style. Grace. Warmth. These words are just a few to describe Eleanor Loring and Caitlin Thomas of Loring&Co. Anytime spent with these women is treasured and makes it easy to see why they are experts in the jewelry business. Not only do they have extensive knowledge about fine jewelry and fashion jewelry, but they also exude style from head to toe. Their style is something to emulate.
What trends are you seeing for holiday?
Caitlin: Layering bracelets is a big trend. Stacking bracelets on your wrist, they don’t have to match, they don’t have to be the same width. Layering necklaces is also a trend.
Eleanor: People are even layering delicate pieces. I call it, “playing well with others.” Just a single bracelet by itself looks a little lonesome. You need to have some friends with it.
What style do you typically gravitate towards?
Eleanor: Timeless pieces that I know I can wear for many many years. Pieces that I know I can pass on to my children and grandchildren. My grandson’s wives are going to like me a lot. I look at jewelry as a lifetime purchase. I think one should save their money up to buy pieces that are going to last and be relevant a hundred years from now. Women should think about their jewelry wardrobe and build on pieces they already have. We always ask husbands or significant others that come in, “What do they already have?”
Caitlin: Something I hear all the time is, “Oh I can’t wear that all the time.” But you actually can. I wear my diamond tennis necklace all the time. I wear it with tshirts, I wear with workout clothes. People need to get out of their heads that nice jewelry can’t be worn all the time, because it should be. It should be worn and enjoyed.
What pieces are musts for one’s jewelry wardrobe?
Eleanor: Every woman needs a basic gold jewelry wardrobe: gold hoops, gold bracelets, gold necklace and then you need a basic diamond wardrobe. Every woman should also own a strand of pearls. Pearls will always speak of quiet elegance.
A statement right hand ring is something every woman should have.
Caitlin: Also I think there is a distinction between high end jewelry like an emerald ring and then fashion jewelry like Marco Bicego. And when you build your jewelry wardrobe both should be on your list.
I had a friend say recently, “I just don’t need anymore jewelry.” To which I say, “You always need more jewelry.”
What are your favorite heirloom pieces?
Eleanor: I have a locket that my father served in World War II, they were married December 24 and then he shipped out December 26. He bought my mother a locket that on the back side of it he had a photo of him in his uniform on the back. He sent that back to my father when he was stationed in London. She cherished it and now I cherish it and hopefully other generations will cherish it too.
Caitlin: My wedding band which is a type IIa diamond from the Golconda mine, which shut down in the 1800’s. They are the purest diamonds that have ever been mined, so I feel like that is the most special piece I own.
What staples do you wear over and over that everyone should own?
Eleanor: Every girl needs diamond hoops. And I never go without my watch. A watch isn’t just a function, it is a reflection of your style.
Caitlin: I would say diamond studs.
How can jewelry elevate your style?
Caitlin: I know so many people who love fashion and clothes, but say they are not a jewelry person. But you should be a jewelry person. Jewelry enhances your look. Great earrings frame your face. Great pieces of jewelry are timeless and will take your look to the next level.
Eleanor: It is putting your best foot forward.