Endless talk of all things sparkly.

Designer Jewelry

A Few of my Favorite Charity Bracelets

I think it all started with the Livestrong charity bracelet? Maybe not...I'm no charity-bracelet-history-buff, but that is my best guess. I actually still have mine. During the time that I purchased one, they were sort of "in demand." Some were even being auctioned off on eBay for around $50!! I love these beaded bracelets that benefit the imbalances of women's opportunities because of financial and/or cultural reasons. The bracelets are handmade by the Maasai Tribe Women of Kenya. Referred to as the "Brightness of Life" not because of the vivid colors you have to choose from, but because of the brightness that lives in the hearts of the women it supports. Each is only $25, with 20% going to the charity. These can be found at Cathy B Jewelry. Another charity bracelet that can be picked up at Cathy B Jewelry website is this little red, sequined tie bracelet. Rightfully called the Children of Jaipur bracelet since a portion of the proceeds goes toward Education in Jaipur, India. This one is $35. The Diamond Empowerment Fund has a mission to develop and empower the regions of Africa where diamond mining is an important aspect of the community's resources. Each bracelet features a rough diamond that is caged inside a diamond shaped charm. Proceeds from this malachite bead stretch bracelet go toward this fund. The cost is $125 at Simmons Jewelry. Of course, we can't forget the Gem Gossip Charity bracelet. As you can see here, these are the two styles you can choose--the wrap style or single cord style. The bracelet now comes in a variety of colors, not just red! Check out the 4-step chart for ordering, and look for a favorite color. If you don't see a color that you want, send me a special request! I've already had a few...Maya from Oklahoma just received a light peach and a dark peach bracelet! Read More

Designer Jewelry

Ross-Simons Holiday Preview is here!

Holiday catalogs are already circulating and Ross-Simons is not skimping on all the goodies this year! So many great choices in the holiday preview, whether you want gold, diamonds, sapphires, emeralds, or rubies under your tree. I have a few favorites of my own...they are shown below. If you are a fan of Ross-Simons, let me know about your shopping experience and your jewelry purchases. Do you have any holiday favorites? Anything personalized makes a great holiday gift, and since monograms and name plates are very trendy, these make the perfect pair of earrings. They are done in 14k yellow gold. Pricetag is $315, but sales do run often, so be on the lookout. Snake rings are necessary. This is probably the cutest one out there right now. I bought a snake ring on eBay and was very disappointed and returned it. It was so huge, it scaled down to my knuckle and up half my finger. This one looks like it would fit perfectly, while continually being timeless. This one is priced at $236 and is 14k white gold and diamonds. Don't these earrings look like they are vintage, art deco? They are actually not vintage, but they have a great vintage style to them. Onyx, coral and diamonds combined with white gold make these new earrings seem like a peek into the past. They dangle 1.75 inches and are priced at $175. Will you find any of these under your tree this year? Read More

Designer Jewelry

Laura Gibson and her Tiny Black Diamonds

I am really liking these tiny black diamonds I've been seeing in lots of necklaces.  The facets make them sparkle, and the their size makes them dainty and sweet.  I recently tried on a necklace that featured the tiny black faceted diamonds and 14k gold bars in between each one.  The necklace was at least 22 inches long, and was around $1200 at a small gem & fossil shop in California.  Laura Gibson, jewelry designer out of Arizona, uses tiny black diamonds in a few of her pieces from her collection.  Check out her entire collection by looking at her website.  She also has several trunk shows across the United States, which would be interesting to attend.  Here are her designs--love the bracelet.  What do you think? Read More

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Designer Jewelry

Yum! Fruity Bangles by Mark Davis

Designer Jewelry

Gretchen Julius: a Day at the Zoo

I love Gretchen Julius' designs because they make me feel like I'm spending a day at the zoo or on an African Safari adventure. Zoos are my top favorite places ever and I've been to quite a few. For my birthday this year, it was the San Diego Zoo and then last year it was the Cleveland Zoo. Here I am when I was little at a zoo in Florida. The petting zoo area is the best part. I fell pretty hard and scraped my knee, and the little goat was licking my scrape. My favorite animal at the zoo has always been those meerkats...I could watch them for hours. I get frustrated though because I just want to play with them. Here are some of Gretchen Julius' designs--we've got a ring, necklace and earrings. All are done in 14k yellow gold with semi-precious stones. She uses a zebra, elephant, camel, rhino, and scarab in her pieces of the Safari Collection. So, if you like the necklace but would rather have, say, a camel for example, it is available. Check out her website...her bracelets are also very pretty. And check out the Cluster Collection. I've added a peak of what that collection looks like as well below. Read More

Designer Jewelry

Election ’08: Buttons are Overrated;;a Graffiti Bangle is more like it

With the election coming on strong, Americans will be headed to the polls before we know it!  Heck, it's almost October already!  Crazy stuff.  I've seen cars whizzing around with McCain/Palin and Obama/Biden bumper stickers all the time.  But who wants to ruin their car with a huge bumper sticker?  Or how about those button/pin things...they are great, but how do you wear that and look stylish?  The best option to show your political spirit this fall??  Try a Graffiti Bangle!  Gorgeously hand-made using brass and enamel.  The phrase "Obama '08" is done up in a graffiti style.  Each costs $100, with $50 going toward the Obama Campaign.  Now that's showing your support, while being stylish!!  Comes in colors red, white, blue, gold, yellow, beige, or pink.  Each are 1 inch wide, from BYLU jewelry. Read More