Present for a leaving secretary

My secretary is unfortunately leaving me soon to teach English in the Far East. I’d like to get her a nice going away present, but I’m always weary of things like jewelry and perfume, because I worry they could be taken the wrong way. First of all, would that be appropriate and second of all, do you have any ideas?
Charles in East Brunswick.

You should know Jewelry never need be seen as an inappropriate gift, the trick is in what you give and the way you give it. Pick out something moderately priced, depending on your income, something suitable for day time wear, and give it with professionalism and you’ll be just fine.

Since your secretary is going to the Far East, how about this lovely 5 1/4 Carat Jade 14K Gold Pendant w/Chain. Jade, long treasured in China as the Royal Gem, is beautifully highlighted by a wistful yellow gold setting.

Versicle enough for daily wear, this pendant will serve as a perfectly appropriate gift to send her off with, and will remain a memento long after she returns.

CellCatch Cellphone Bracelet

I've seen a tone of cell phone charm but the CellCatch form TRAY6 is a bracelet that attaches to your cell phone. The bracelet which is made from sterling silver and semi-precious stones. The CellCatch attaches through the double hole attachment at the top of most phones and the phone hangs down from the wrist. The CellCatch comes in nine styles including the green turquoise shown here which sells for $95. Now if only someone would develop headphone that double as earrings.

(Luxist)

Diamond Studs - the perfect gift for any occasion

Question:
My first anniversary is coming up, but I’m really at a loss as to what to get my wife. She has dropped the hint that she’s wanting jewelry, but I don’t even know where to start. Can you point me in a good direction?
Dave in Toronto

I’m feeling that the best thing you can get is a stunning pair of diamond stud earrings. They are an essential part of every woman’s jewelry collection and yet always magical enough to take her breath away.

I would recommend getting 1/3 carat or higher, depending on your budget. 1/3 carat is nicely priced at $295 while remaining both respectable and modest enough for every day wear. But of course, no woman will complain if they are bigger.

The Yogo Sapphire

An Associated Press article led me to discover the yogo sapphire. I was familiar with Burmese sapphires but yogo sapphires, which are mined in Montana, are famous for their deep natural cornflower color. Yogos are becoming more and more rare. There is only one active yogo mine currently and the prices for larger stones are increasing. For the most part, yogo sapphires are small (half a carat or less). Prices for these small yogo sapphires are low but the larger stones are rarer than diamonds. There are still potential sapphire deposits in the ground but there isn't a big demand for yogos since not a lot of people know about them and the scarcity of larger stones makes it hard to market on a larger scale. The 2.23 carat yogo shown here sells for $23,000.

From Luxist

Victoria Beckham Gets A Ruby Necklace For The Holidays

We mentioned a while back that David Beckham was getting a Rolls Royce Phantom for Christmas. What did he get Mrs. Becks? Female First says that David Beckham bought her a £1.2 million ruby and diamond necklace for Christmas. Victoria was reportedly thrilled with the Boucheron pendant which features large rubies and diamonds hanging on a ruby chain. Sounds like it weighs as much as the lady who will be wearing it.

From Luxist

Ron Hami's jewelry

Ron Hami's jewelry is famous for slim lines and intriguing shapes rendered in gold and diamonds. He specializes in open designs that make gorgeous use of negative space. The bold designs have shown up on celebs like Teri Hatcher and Alicia Keys. The Lotus necklace, shown here, sells for $3,400.

January Birthstone - Garnet

Garnet received its name from the Latin word for pomegranate, grana-tum, because its crystals reminded early scientists of pomegranate seeds. The most popular garnet color is deep red, but garnets may occur in almost every natural color except blue.

The garnet is an especially fitting birthstone for the first month of the new year, as it was historically believed to promote peace and end war. Garnets have also been thought to help cure disease, protect travelers from harm, and even slow bleeding.

The dramatic hue of red garnet always catches my eye. I find It goes stunningly well with earth tones and always leaves me feeling a bit like royalty.

The 2 carat red garnet earrings shown above are a fabulous way to show off this stunning gemstone. They are an absolute steal for only $60.

You should also see this dramatic 12 5/8 Carat Garnet 14K Gold Bracelet. Another beautiful way to showcase red garnet, and an incredible deal - more than twelve carats for only $225.

Also see this page for more great deals on a great birthstone.

Fashion & Jewelry for 2006

Filed in archive Jewelry Trends

The generous Manolo at Manolo’s Shoe Blog offers a Carnivale of Couture #1 for 2006. Find out fashion predictions from jewelry, to hang bags, to clothing, and shoes, of course, from bloggers all around the web, including yours truely:

“The Manolo he wanted to start the first Carnivale and the new year with the interesting and the timely topic, and what could be better then asking the super fantastic, super smartie fashion bloggers for their fashion predictions for 2006.”

If you are an accessories lover like myself, you’ll find lots of wonderful fashion trends to read about from his collection on links.

Victoria Found Secret of Beads & Jewelry

Filed in archive Costume and Fashion Jewelry

I’m always amazed at the Victoria Secret runway shows. You just never know how “over the top” it will get. In their most recent show, jewelry and beading enthusiast got a little something extra from the wild lingerie/haut couture worn by super models like Tyra Banks and Heidi Klum.

Along with the usual “undies,” necklaces in various length were worn together in the “stack style” that is now so popular, some around the collarbone and some dangling below the waistline. Long sparkling earrings as well as lots of glittering stones were worn around the body in one form or another.

December Birthstone - Topaz

The birthstone for December is the enchanting Blue Topaz

The lore, magic and romance of topaz goes back many thousands of years. It holds the distinction of being the gemstone with the widest range of curative powers. It also happens to be a hard gemstone, making it fine to wear everyday.

Topaz is one of the most versatile of gemstones, coming in a plethora of colors. Blue Topaz stuns with its vivid intensity like a Caribbean ocean. The color will certainly enhance the features of a blue eyed girl, and constant beautifully with the auburn locks of red heads. It also goes particularly well with wardrobes featuring pastel colors.

The one carat blue topaz and diamond pendant above to the right is a fantastic way to show off this beautiful gemstone. At only $85 it’s a deal not to be missed.

The blue topaz and diamond earrings to the left are delicate, chic and a perfect evening look when you want to look glamorous.

Also, don’t miss this eye catching London blue topaz and diamond ring. Sky blue topaz, Swiss blue topaz, London blue topaz are names used in the gem trades to refer to the depth of color. Sky blue is the lightest while London blue is the darkest blue.

The Vault Collection

For something truly spectacular, I suggest you take a look at the recently compiled Vault Collection from ice.com.

Among the items therein, I am particularly enamored of the 4 Carat Diamond 18K White Gold Necklace shown above to the right. A glorious look for festive occasions, this radiant necklace is a piece that will easily become a family heirloom. It sells for $4,995.

Given the many years you have been together, you might also consider this 2 Carat 3-Stone Diamond 14K Gold Ring. The three stones beautifully symbolizing your past, present and future together. The version seen here goes for $4,995 although it also comes in other stone options, see the link for more details.

Also stunning is this exquisite Graduated 8-11mm Tahitian Cultured Pearl Strand. Black Tahitian pearls are the most valuable and most sought after of all pearls, and I have never seen them displayed with more beauty and elegance than on this necklace. Click on the link for a better view. It goes for $2,795.

ice.com introduces Family Jewelry

Just in time for the holidays, Ice.com presents you with the perfect gift to give the matriarch of your family. These Family Jewelry rings and other pieces allow you to customize and personalize to perfection.

They include the birthstone for each child and in some cases their names, making it one of the most personal and meaningful pieces of jewelry a mother can wear. With 19 styles, and the ability to personalize to suit your needs, you’re sure to find something perfect for your family.

Perfect Jewelry for a Christmas party

When it comes to Christmas parties, get festive! I’ve found two options for you that just might be perfect, on different ends of the financial spectrum.

The first is this elegant and flirtatious lariat necklace. In White gold with yellow gold beads it’s sure to dazzle. It goes for $495.

The other option is this Multipearl Tassle Necklace. The leather strap it hangs from gives it a distinctive feel and the tassle of shimmering multi-color pearls and sterling silver are perfect for the season. It’s a steal for only $65.