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Two Hoops in One Earrings – A Bond That’s Never Separate

The most noble form of love on the planet is from our mothers. And speaking of noble acts, there’s no denying that the most noble responsibility a woman can bear is to become a mother. From the long, painful months of carrying a child in your womb, to giving birth, and then shaping that kid to be strong and smart for the world – nothing could ever come between that.  With that, join us as we put the spotlight on these influential mothers who continue to shower their families with love while inspiring the world. Moms do so much for their children, and they deserve to be recognised like this. These powerful women have done more than look out for their loved ones, as they have also taken huge responsibilities in society and pushed for positive changes in their respective communities. Keep reading below to find out more about them. Tammy Duckworth Behind the tough wars she has been through, US Senator Tammy Duckworth, a seasoned Iraq War Veteran and Purple Heart awardee, also has a lighthearted side to her impressive resume. Before joining the U.S. Senate in 2016, she soared through the ranks, quite literally, as one of the first Army women to take on combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. With 23 years of service in the Reserve Forces, she decided to trade her uniform for a different kind of Capitol Hill attire in 2014, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. Before her Senate journey, Duckworth represented Illinois's Eighth Congressional District with charm and dedication for two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives.  In 2018, Duckworth made history as the first Senator to give birth while in office. She championed family-friendly policies by successfully pushing for groundbreaking rules change, allowing Senators to bring their infants onto the Senate floor – a message resonating with working families nationwide. Now, as a US senator, Duckworth tirelessly works for the people of Illinois, all while balancing the joys of raising her two young daughters, Abigail and Maile. Melinda Gates We’ll bet on it that you’re currently reading this article and you’re surrounded by a Microsoft-powered application, whether you’re currently writing emails, typing up documents at work, or simply browsing the Internet. And while the genius behind this tech giant, Bill Gates, has graced a lot of attention because of his success, few know the story of his wife, Melinda Gates.  Born as Melinda French in Texas in 1964 to a mom who really valued education (having missed out on college herself), Melinda Gates had a knack for math and science from a young age. She went on to study computer science at Duke University and later snagged a master's degree in business administration. Her journey led her to Microsoft, where she climbed the ranks and took charge of cool projects like Expedia and Encarta. During her time at Microsoft, Melinda met her future husband and boss, Bill Gates. Their love story began, and in 1994, after six years of dating, they tied the knot. Together, they founded the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to tackle global poverty and health issues. These days, Melinda is fully dedicated to the foundation, achieving remarkable feats like supporting underprivileged students and enhancing access to birth control in developing countries. Melinda and Bill have three children, Jennifer, Rory, and Phoebe – all decorated in terms of scholastic accolades.  Michelle Obama Now that we’re talking about strong women standing beside their powerful beaus, it’s time to talk about what we can all collectively agree is the coolest first lady in US history: Michelle Obama.  In 2009, Michelle became the first African American first lady, adding another achievement to her impressive resume which includes graduating from Princeton and Harvard Law. A Chicago native, she practised law before her White House days and even managed to balance a career at the University of Chicago Medical Center with raising her two daughters, Sasha and Malia. During her time in the White House, Michelle passionately spearheaded the Let's Move! campaign, aiming to kick childhood obesity to the curb within a generation. Alongside that, she delved into various other projects close to her heart, supporting veterans, military families, and young minds pursuing higher education. Today, Michelle is a best-selling author who shares her stories of hope and inspiration through her memoirs. In 2023, Obama got a nod for the Primetime Emmy Award in the Outstanding Hosted Nonfiction Series or Special category at the 75th Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards. This recognition came from the Netflix documentary film "The Light We Carry: Michelle Obama and Oprah Winfrey." Kathy Headlee Kathy Headlee, a mom of seven (with the youngest being an adorable addition from Romania), founded Mothers Without Borders with the mission of bringing joy and support to orphaned children globally. Starting in 1992, she led a bunch of amazing volunteers in delivering essential supplies to orphanages and offering caregiving training in Romania. Since then, Mothers Without Borders has been on a heartwarming journey, sending volunteers to spread love and assistance to kids all around the world. Guided by Kathy's compassionate spirit, Mothers Without Borders has orchestrated numerous community development projects — even throwing in some life-changing toilets — and sent volunteers on exciting adventures to places like Romania, Mexico, India, Indonesia, Bolivia, Taiwan, Haiti, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and the United States. Kathy herself spends a good chunk of each year soaking up the positive vibes in Africa, overseeing various projects from the lively Mothers Without Borders Regional Headquarters in Lusaka, Zambia. Candy Lightner In an unfortunate hit-and-run accident, Candy Lightner lost her 13-year-old daughter, Cari, because of a drunk driver. Ultimately devastated by this, Candy channelled her grief into positive action and started Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) in the US and Canada. This organization aimed to put the brakes on drunk driving, push for stricter laws, and support those affected by such incidents. Thanks to their tireless efforts, MADD has become a driving force in raising awareness, advocating for legislation, and ultimately preventing countless accidents, saving numerous lives along the way. Dr. Dana Suskind Dr. Dana Suskind is a mom of three and a super-skilled ear, nose, and throat doctor at the University of Chicago. She's the brain behind the Thirty Million Words Initiative, cheering on parents to chat up a storm with their little ones. Her gig is all about spreading the word on how babbling and bonding in those first three years can do wonders for a child’s development.

Some people invest in their capsule wardrobe – you know, a timeless collection of neutrals and basics that you can easily dress up or down and mix or match depending on the occasion. While this is a genius way to stay elegant and classy all the time, it’s also good to know how to properly accessorize your capsule wardrobe. As such, it’s high time for you to start building your jewellery collection.  When it comes to curating your personal collection, it all boils down to your personal taste and style. You need to ask yourself: do I want something I can wear daily or a special one I can wear for big days? No matter your preference, we narrowed down the most helpful tips to help you find the perfect jewellery pieces to make your outfits sparkle anytime, anywhere. Keep reading below to know more! Start by finding the right metal for your skin tone. Just like how you’re choosing which makeup will suit you best, you also have to find the right metal for your skin tone to achieve that timeless look. Here’s a quick guide: Fair skin with red undertones: Avoid wearing rose gold jewellery as it will only accentuate your pinkish undertone. Instead, opt for silver to give your skin a fresh-looking glow.  Cool or bluish undertones: Go for silver jewellery as well to make your skin look bright and clear.  Olive or lightly tanned skin with warm undertones: Gold jewellery is perfect for you if you have this skin tone. It complements your skin colour perfectly! Neutral undertones: If you have neutral undertones, you’re in luck! Any metal will look good on you, so play around with your jewellery! If you’re still in doubt, give colour analysis a try. Simply book an appointment with a colour analysis professional, and they will assign the perfect colour palette to match your skin tone, from your clothing, makeup, hair colour, and even jewellery. However, this can be on the pricier side, so if it’s out of the budget for now, just pay extra attention to the pieces of jewellery you’ll be wearing. For instance, your earrings and necklaces should be a great match for your skin tone since they are closer to your face. Your bracelets and rings, on the other hand, are not that much of a deal since they are not as close.  Invest in your jewellery’s quality. You wouldn’t buy cheap, fast-fashion pieces if you were trying to build a capsule wardrobe, right? After all, the goal is to shop better so you can shop less. Similarly, you need to invest in the quality of the pieces you are buying so they will last you a very long time. The last thing you want when building a timeless jewellery collection is a bunch of cheap jewellery that will turn your skin green and tarnish after a few wears, or worse, irritate your skin and cause allergies.  While gold vermeil or silver-plated jewellery is not the same as their solid counterparts, they still boast good quality, especially if you want to save a couple of bucks. With the right care and maintenance, they can last a few years. It’s also best to avoid brass jewellery as they often contain nickel, which is a common allergen. Know the classics Building a capsule wardrobe is all about going for neutral colours that you can quickly mix and match – the same goes for jewellery! When it comes to building a timeless jewellery collection, you need to find simple, elegant, yet classic designs and silhouettes. Here are the pieces you’ll need for your capsule jewellery collection: Dainty necklace While some may think that a dainty necklace is a fairly small piece to base your capsule jewellery collection, believe us when we say that it will make the biggest difference. Their minimalistic charm makes them easy to layer with other necklaces, and they can make you look put together when you’re having a very busy day. The best part? They will look good no matter the occasion, so you can wear them every day for work and then pair them with a glam updo at night! Pendant necklace Pendant necklaces are great if you want to add a statement piece to your simple outfits, like if you’re wearing a plain shirt and a pair of jeans. Similarly, they can easily be layered with dainty necklaces if you want a more elevated look.  Chain necklace Your capsule jewellery collection is never complete without a medium-weight chain necklace like a herringbone or tennis necklace.  Despite its trendy appeal, the tennis necklace stands as a timeless piece that can grace your neckline for years to come. This necklace is designed to gracefully shimmer against your skin, drawing attention to your upper attire. On the other hand, the herringbone chain necklace serves as a more sophisticated alternative to the paperclip chain necklace. It effortlessly lends itself to layering or exudes a refined polish when worn independently. Hoop earrings Small, medium, or large – hoop earrings are a quintessential piece to add to your jewellery collection. These charming earrings not only add an effortlessly elegant touch to your earlobe, but they can also elevate any outfit from casual to chic! For a timeless look, go for the small or medium hoops, as they can add a subtle sparkle to your ensemble. If you're thinking about buying just one pair, go with an "everyday" hoop that's not too ornate or flashy. Ideally, go for simplicity, making sure they complement both your casual white t-shirt and your more formal dinner dress. These flexible earrings are made to be easily worn every day and blend in with a variety of styles.  Watches Be it silver, gold, or leather, watches are a staple piece in any jewellery collection. More than giving time, a classic watch makes your outfit look more polished and classier. No matter which material you choose, rest assured that they will look good on you. And since it’s not as close to your face, it all just boils down to your personal preference.  Tennis bracelet Much like its counterpart, the tennis necklace, tennis bracelets have been a staple for generations now.  Originally known as an eternity bracelet during the Roaring Twenties, this piece of jewellery underwent a significant rebranding in 1978. During a tennis match, renowned US tennis star Chris Evert caused a pause in play when she lost her diamond and gold bracelet, making it a memorable moment in sports history. In a subsequent interview, Evert referred to her exquisite jewellery as a "tennis bracelet." Tennis bracelets are ideal for stacking and layering on your wrist, as they complement various accessories like a classic watch. A genuine diamond tennis bracelet can cost a lot of money, but you can always go for a gold vermeil cubic zirconia tennis bracelet. It's an affordable alternative without compromising the stylish appeal. Dainty rings For an instant style boost, opt for a set of delicate stacking rings. These petite yet impactful jewellery pieces offer the flexibility to be worn individually or stacked together, offering a plethora of styling possibilities. Create a bold statement by adorning them collectively, or embrace subtle sophistication by wearing them separately. You can also layer them with chunky signet rings for a bolder statement!

Admit it or not, we’ve all done it once – sacrifice our comfort and safety just to look gorgeous. While some may say that it’s a fairly small price to pay in the name of beauty and elegance, we beg to differ. There are far better ways to slay the game without having to feel uncomfortable, especially when it comes to jewellery.  Enter hypoallergenic jewellery, our sparkling solution that will keep you looking beautiful and elegant minus all the allergies.  What is hypoallergenic jewellery? Hypoallergenic jewellery, in a nutshell, are pieces that do not have metals that can cause skin allergies or irritation, such as nickel. The most common materials used in hypoallergenic jewellery are stainless steel, 925 sterling silver, 14K or 18K gold, titanium, and platinum, as they have lower nickel content.  Unlike other types of jewellery, hypoallergenic does not have a strict rulebook or criteria because it all boils down to your specific skin allergies and which materials can trigger them. This is also why you'll most likely hear the term "hypoallergenic" tossed around like confetti. As such, it's best to double-check the materials used in every piece you're buying to ensure that they use skin-friendly and high-quality metals. Why should you choose hypoallergenic jewellery? Picture this: no more itching, redness, or discomfort that often comes with traditional jewellery. It's like a breath of fresh air for your skin. Plus, these pieces are like little superheroes – durable, resistant to tarnishing, and lasting forever. The best part? Your style game stays strong with hypoallergenic jewellery, effortlessly moving from laid-back vibes to fancy occasions. Whether you're rocking sterling silver or going all out with gold, these materials are like the fashion chameleons that never go out of style.  Even if you don't have known allergies, wearing hypoallergenic jewellery can be like a shield, preventing those pesky sensitivities that might pop up over time with non-hypoallergenic materials. What are the best types of hypoallergenic jewellery? 925 Sterling Silver 925 sterling silver is an alloy that contains 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, typically copper or zinc. Known as the fairy godmother of alloys, 925 sterling silver is the standard of silver jewellery in most markets today because of its durability and hypoallergenic properties.  What are the advantages of 925 sterling silver? Skin-friendly. Silver allergy is not uncommon, especially if you're wearing pure silver. But since 925 sterling silver is an alloy with no trace of common allergens like nickel or cobalt, it's a great choice for those with sensitive, delicate skin. Long-lasting lustre. Silver is a timeless classic that stands the test of time. With a little tender loving care, your sterling silver pieces will retain their dazzling charm for years.  Versatile and fashionable. Sterling silver is a great choice if you want to switch styles or want an effortless yet captivating accessory. Be it for casual wear or formal attire, it will ultimately add a hint of elegance to your ensemble like fairy dust. 14k and 18k Gold  Gold takes the crown as the reigning queen of jewellery metals, and it's all for good reason. More than its timeless glamour, gold is also the most flexible and mouldable metal in the game. To make it more durable, it's mixed with small amounts of alloy, giving us everyone's favourite gold types: 14k and 18k. These two are the darlings of precious metals, each with its own golden story. The secret lies in the gold percentage – 18K flaunts a 75% gold and 25% alloyed metals blend, while 14K rocks a 58% gold composition. Those alloyed metals might include a bit of silver, copper, nickel, or palladium. Another difference between the two is their colour. 18K gold boasts a deep, luxurious yellow, while 14K shines with a lighter tone, courtesy of those magical alloys. It's like choosing between a golden sunset and a sunrise – both divine, just with a touch of different magic. What are the advantages of 14k and 18k gold? Great for sensitive skin. Real gold remains the epitome of skin-friendly metals, ensuring comfort and safety for those who have skin allergies. It does not have common triggering materials, such as cobalt or nickel, making them the best options in hypoallergenic jewellery.  Classic and elegant. Gold jewellery, with its enduring charm, remains a timeless classic that transcends fashion trends. Whether embracing the warmth of 14K or indulging in the opulence of 18K, gold jewellery always radiates elegance and sophistication, symbolizing a legacy of refined taste. Durable and low maintenance. Since 14k and 18k gold are made from solid gold, there's no questioning their superb quality. It's highly resistant to rust and tarnishing (even if you wear it while showering!), so it will last for a long time, even across generations. It becomes not just an accessory, but also a precious heirloom, carrying with it the stories and elegance of time. Great investment pieces. If you want to start investing in jewellery, 14k and 18k gold are your go-to! The value of gold increases over time, so you can reap your rewards in a few years' time!  Genuine Rhodium Rhodium, the jewel among metals, stands out as the whitest and most precious choice for jewellery, surpassing even gold and platinum in rarity and outshining silver in luminosity. Usually discovered as a byproduct in platinum mines, rhodium shares its metallic lineage with platinum in the esteemed platinum group, which includes Platinum, Rhodium, Iridium, Ruthenium, Osmium, and Palladium.  However, what truly sets rhodium apart is its exquisite brilliance, reflectiveness, and durability, making it in demand not just in jewellery but also in crafting automobiles, lighting, and mirrors. What are the advantages of genuine rhodium? Pure and skin-friendly. Genuine rhodium stands out as one of the most skin-friendly metals as it excludes common metals like nickel and cobalt. It actually protects your skin from other metal alloys containing nickel. Long-lasting and durable. In the world of metals, rhodium emerges not just as a choice but as a poetic expression of feminine strength and timeless beauty. But in the world of jewellery, it is known for its ability to resist rust, corrosion, and tarnishing.