For years now my grandmother and I have met every week for a visit: dinner and scrabble. It’s our tradition. I always stop for fried chicken along the way. It’s wonderful.

This week, after a very close game of scrabble, grandmother suggested we look at her “old” jewelry (she knows I love jewelry). She left the kitchen, returning with a small, marvelously embroidered jewelry box. Delicate, the small jewelry box looked like it held little jewelry.

What a surprise! Grandma’s jewelry box overflowed with gems: amethyst jewelry, CZ, peridot and ruby jewelry, sapphire and turquoise jewelry, pearl, garnet and quartz jewelry. I could go on and on.

It was a jewelry treasure trove! A magic pit of jewelry! Blackbeard’s jewelry booty! Every time I thought the jewelry box empty, grandmother lifted another gemstone, another dazzling specimen.

Grandmother had a story for every brooch and necklace, every bracelet, every set of earrings. We retraced her life through that jewelry. It was beautiful.

We spent hours over that jewelry box, talking and laughing. As I was leaving, I kissed my grandmother’s a cheek as I always do. Before I turned around, she grabbed my hand. From behind her back emerged the jewelry box. ‘I want you to have the jewelry box dear, and don’t say no,’ she pushed the jewelry box into my hands, ‘just remember.’

I was weepy all the way home. I’ve put grandma’s story, her jewelry box, on my mantle where I see it everyday…..remembering.

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Gold is pricey. In fact, it’s getting more expensive everyday. If you just don’t have the budget or the inclination to spend lots of money on solid gold jewelry, 14k gold filled jewelry is a wonderful alternative to pure 14k gold.

14k gold filled jewelry is a solid layer of 14k gold bonded to the outside of a base metal such as brass. What’s the difference between 14k gold filled jewelry and 14k gold plate? 14k gold filled has significantly more gold than the few microns of gold in gold plate. Actually, 14k gold filled jewelry has a hundred or more times gold than gold plate.

Under the normal wear and with the care you would give any precious metal jewelry, 14K gold filled jewelry will not flake or peel. 14k gold filled jewelry can be treasured for years.

Like solid 14k gold, 14k gold filled jewelry is tarnish-resistant and safe for most people with sensitive skin. In the end, 14k gold filled jewelry is a beautiful and economical alternative to solid 14k gold.

You can’t go wrong with 14k gold filled jewelry!

Jewelry which is termed ‘vintage’ includes many decades or eras. Each era has many different designs. These eras include Georgian, Early Victorian, Mid-Victorian, Late Victorian, Arts and Crafts era, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Art Deco and Retro.

Georgian Jewelry (1714-1837)
Georgian jewelry is handmade, making the quality of each piece variable. Needless to say, Georgian jewelry is very rare. Often featuring nature-inspired designs such as leaves and birds, Georgian jewelry frequently includes precious stones.

Early Victorian, Romantic Jewelry (1837-1850)
Like jewelry of the Georgian era, early Victorian jewelry features nature-inspired designs. Frequently, these designs would be delicately and intricately etched into gold. Lockets and brooches were popular everyday jewelry during the early Victorian era whereas colored gemstones and diamonds were worn during the evening.

Mid-Victorian, Grand Jewelry (1860-1880)
Because the Grand or Mid-Victorian era corresponded with the death of Queen Victoria’s husband, many jewelry pieces have solemn, grave designs. Known as mourning jewelry, the pieces feature heavy, dark stones. Jet, onyx, amethyst, and garnet are frequently found in jewelry from this period. The jewelry also became especially creative during this period. More colorful designs were born featuring shells, mosaics and colorful gemstones.

Late Victorian, Aesthetic Jewelry (1885-1900)
During the Late Victorian or Aesthetic period, jewelers used diamonds and feminine, bright gemstones such as sapphire, peridot, and spinel. Star and crescent designs as well as elaborate hat pins were also popular.

Arts and Crafts Jewelry (1894-1923)
Due to the Industrial Revolution, many jewelry designers rebelled during the Arts and Crafts era, returning to intricate jewelry designs and handmade craftsmanship. It was common for jewelry of this era to be simple in pattern, made of colorful, uncut stones.

Art Nouveau Jewelry (1895-1915)
Designed by Rene Jules Lalique in France and other jewelers in America, Art Nouveau jewelry features natural designs such as flowers and butterflies.

Edwardian Jewelry (1901-1910)
The Edwardian era was born when Queen Victoria died and her son Edward became king. During this period, expensive gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds and rubies and elaborate designs were the fashion.

Art Deco Jewelry (1920-1935)
Influenced by African, Egyptian and Japanese themes, Art Deco jewelry is famous for its geometric designs, sharp lines, and bright colors. Bakelite, celluloid, enamel and doublets were used frequently during this era. Necklaces were long and bracelets were worn many at a time. Amber, Venetian and glass beads, and amber were worn as well as chokers.

Retro Jewelry (1940s)
Inspired by Hollywood, Retro jewelry is colorful, bold and elaborate. Commonly worn were large cocktail rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces and charm bracelets.

Whatever vintage jewelry you choose, whatever era you prefer. Vintage jewelry is a great way to spice up your style and get creative!

Recently my friend Julie announced she was getting married.  Of course I was over the moon.  Her fiancé is a great guy and it seems they’ve been together forever.  It was time!

A couple weeks later she called me up with a jewelry question.  All my friends know that I know a lot about jewelry (as I should).  Anyways, Julie wanted to know what kind of precious metal I thought she should get for her wedding ring.  Julie was torn.   On the one hand, she felt pressured to get a traditional yellow gold ring but on the other she’s always been a silver kind of girl.  This is true.  In all the years I’ve known her, I don’t think I’ve ever seen Julie wear gold jewelry.  Of course, Julie went on, sterling silver would be inappropriate.  She was disheartened.  She thought her hands were tied.  She thought she was going to be stuck with a yellow gold wedding ring.  Of course, I knew better.

Let me begin by saying that in my opinion, I don’t think anyone should feel pressured to buy any particular type of ring for their wedding ring.  In my opinion, if a couple wants to buy quarter machine rings to represent their eternal love then that’s what they should get.  That said, I thought it was worth mentioning to Julie that if she wanted a silver ring then she should get a silver ring.  Julie though, did not take to the idea.  Although she didn’t want a yellow gold ring, she did want to stick to some tradition.

Given all this information, I did have some suggestions.  Because it’s so hardy, I’ve always thought platinum is the way to go when buying a silvery-white metal.  However, platinum is pricey.  Both Julie and her husband to be work, but they are on a budget and let’s face it, weddings are expensive.  Taking all this into consideration, I suggested Julie choose a white gold ring. 

Now it’s not as though white gold is a new phenomena, but it’s really only been recently that people have been choosing white gold or platinum for wedding and engagement rings.  Thirty years ago it would have been a real rarity.  These days, even though white gold is becoming more popular, I still don’t think many people consider white gold straight away.  People have to be reminded about white gold.  Suffice to say, I reminded Julie about white gold.
  
Well Julie and her fiancé bought their white gold engagement rings and I’m delighted to say the white gold rings are beautiful!  Both Julie and her fiancée are thrilled.  They love the white gold.

Classic bands are timeless in that they feature a look of stylish simplicity and elegance. The understated style of these rings is popular across generations, transcending fads in fashion. The distinguished appeal of the classic band doesn’t mean that they are not available in fresh, updated styles. You can find classic bands in traditional designs, contemporary styles and everything in between. Classic bands are available in a variety of metal finishes including platinum, white gold, sterling silver, gold or silver/gold plating.

Classic Gold Band

The traditional gold band rings is often used in the wedding or engagement rings. Though their simple, classic look can stand alone, gold bands complement a variety of settings. This quintessential style looks great on many skin tones and holds up through the years.

Tri-Color Rolling Band

This look adds some zest to the look of the classic band. Gold, Rose-gold and white gold intertwine to create a unique blend of contemporary and traditional styles. Tri-Color bands are also known as Cartier or rolling bands.

Beaded-Granulated Band

This design is also known as the classic millegrain edged band and features a band (gold, platinum or sterling silver) sandwiched between beaded edges. This elegantly styled ring is a great choice for matching wedding bands or to wear simply as an accessory.

Eternity Rings

This band is decorated with a continuous row of diamonds or gemstones around the entire ring. An anniversary ring is similar but the number of gemstones is determined by the anniversary year of its gift.

Dome Rings

This shape is most often found in sterling silver or silver plated rings. Boasting a sleek, polished appearance, the band widens on one side of the ring. The wider area of the band is also curved to create a dome-like style. This simple style is versatile – it is appropriate with both casual and formal attire alike.

Classic Solitaire

The classic solitaire is a truly timeless classic. Featuring a single set gemstone (usually a diamond or cubic zirconia) affixed to a simple band, the classic solitaire has long been associated with the engagement and wedding rings. However, the solitaire is often styled to be worn to accentuate personal style. It is popular featuring the traditional clear gemstone, but has become more widely available with a variety of gemstones – in many vivid, fanciful colors.

What is White Gold

White gold is an alloy of gold and other white metals including silver and palladium. Like yellow gold, white gold can be 18kt, 14kt, 9kt or any karat.

Just like 18kt yellow gold which is 75% gold mixed with 25% of other metals like copper and zinc, 18kt white gold is 75% gold mixed with 25% other metals such as silver and palladium.

What Constitutes White Gold

The properties of the white gold vary dependant metals and proportions used. As a result, white gold alloys can be used for different purposes. Whereas a white gold, nickel* alloy is hard, strong and great for rings and pins, white gold palladium alloys are soft, pliable and great for gemstone settings.

*Although nickel was traditionally used in white gold, it can cause skin reactions. Now white gold is commonly made with other white metals.

White Gold Jewelry

You can find all sorts of white gold jewelry. From pins and brooches to necklaces, chains, bracelets and rings, beautiful white gold jewelry is easy to find. White gold wedding bands and engagement rings are also becoming increasingly popular.

Taking Care of White Gold

White gold rings are coated with Rhodium. Rhodium is similar to platinum and shares many its properties including its white color. Because the natural color of white gold is light grey, rhodium plating makes white gold whiter. Since rhodium eventually wears away, white gold should be re-rhodium plated every 12 to 18 months.
Whatever white gold you choose, however you choose to buy it, white gold is beautiful. Get what you want and enjoy!

Although most sapphires are blue, there are also pink sapphires, yellow sapphires, orange sapphires white sapphires, purple sapphires as well as rare star sapphires and Padparadsha sapphires.  Sapphires are highly valuable, fancy stones.  In fact, sapphires are so treasured that Prince Charles himself presented Princess Diana with a Sapphire upon their engagement.

About Sapphires

Sapphires belong to the corundum group.  This makes sapphires different from other gemstones because they’re extremely hard, registering at a grade 9 on the Mohs’ scale. Diamonds, the earth’s hardest mineral, are the only gemstones harder then sapphires.  Sapphires hardness makes them a practical and easy to care for gemstone. 

The corundum group consists of pure aluminum oxide.  The pressure and heat of the ground causes this aluminum oxide to crystallize into beautiful white gemstones.   Tiny amounts of other minerals such as iron and chrome give sapphires their blue, red, yellow, pink or greenish color.

Rubies are also part of the corundum group.  For years experts debated what constituted sapphires until it was decided that ruby-red sapphires would be “Rubies” and all other colors would be “Sapphires.”  Sapphires are found in India, Burma, Ceylon, Thailand, Vietnam, Australia, Brazil and Africa.

You can find rings with sapphires, bracelets with sapphires, sapphire necklaces, or pendants.  Sapphires can also be bought as solitary stones.  Sapphires are a beautiful stone with endless possibilities!

Okay, so occasionally I come across these seemingly unbelievable stories that, although somewhat tasteless, I just have to share.  This is one of those stories.

I’m sorry to say that I spent last Thursday at my Great Uncle Jim’s funeral.  Though he was a bit of a penny pincher, Uncle Jim was a wonderful, loving man and he was very much loved by my Great Aunt Violet who was in attendance last week.  Well, Auntie Violet is not a young woman.  In fact, she’s pushing 95 years old.  She’s lived a hard life and never had much of anything to speak of. 

That said, after the funeral I heard Auntie Violet speaking with her friend Mimi about the money Uncle Jim had left her.  Apparently Auntie Violet was left with $30,000.00.  When Mimi asked how much the funeral cost and how much Auntie Violet had left for herself, Auntie Violet told her that she had nothing left, that the funeral cost the whole $30,000.00! Mimi was aghast. 

“All of it!”  She exclaimed “$30,000.00!?”

Auntie Violet nodded matter of factly. 

“Well,” Mimi went on “how much did everything cost?” 

Auntie Violet began, “the services were $1000 and the plot and everything was $2500 and then there was the memorial stone.” 

As I was standing there, doing the math in my head, I could tell Mimi was doing the same. 

Mimi asked, “The memorial stone was over $25,000?  How big was it?” 

Auntie Violet looked quietly over at Mimi before beaming, “Two and a half carats.”

Well girls, you can imagine how difficult it was for me to keep from laughing.  All I have to say is You Go Girl! 

Good old Auntie Violet, Uncle Jim would be so proud.

Since I just made my own traditional charm bracelet, I thought I’d make my own charm ring too!

A charm ring is a great way to accentuate a charm bracelet or charm necklace (yes you can make a charm necklace). A charm ring is also quick and easy to make.

Lets get started!

Charm Ring Supplies

You’ll need some supplies before you begin making your charm ring. These include one spool of 18- or 24-gauge wire, needle nose pliers with cutter, small jump rings, assorted charms, beads or buttons and a ring sizer if you want that perfect fit. Although sterling silver wire is preferred for your charm ring, it isn’t necessary.

Directions for Making a Charm Ring

To begin, cut off an 18-inch piece of wire. To shape the charm ring’s base, you can use either your finger or a ring sizer. Wrap the wire around four or five times to create a charm ring band.

• For a thicker charm ring band, use a longer piece of wire.

Next, straighten the end of the extra charm ring wire. Position the raw end of the wire at the top of the charm ring’s base. Wrap the extra wire around the band of the charm ring to cover the raw wire end and pull it tight.

Straighten the remaining wire of the charm ring tail. If you want dangling charms on your charm ring, feed the wire through the small jump ring. Secure it to the top of the charm ring so the jump ring stands upright.*

• Make sure the wire end is wedged between wire layers so you don’t get pricked while wearing your charm ring.

Your almost there! You can already see how pretty your charm ring is going to be!

Finally, add beads or charms to small head pins. Attach the head pins to the jump ring by bending the wire over the jump ring with needle nose pliers. For a wilder charm ring look, add lots of charms. For a cleaner charm ring, use fewer.

There you go girls. You just made your own beautiful, homemade charm ring!

• If you don’t want a charm ring dangle, just feed the wire through a bead, button or charm of your choice.

Choosing a wedding ring is important!  A wedding ring can reflect your culture, family tradition, relationship or personal style. It’s essential that you choose the wedding ring you love.

Wedding Ring Style

What is your wedding ring style?  Whether you’re looking for a traditional or trendy wedding ring, here are some ideas to help you on your way.

Cultural Wedding Ring

• Irish Claddagh Wedding Ring: In a Claddagh wedding ring, the heart symbolizes love, the crown, eternity and the clasped hands, friendship.  
• Jewish Wedding Ring: The traditional Jewish wedding ring is an unbroken gold circle representing pure and eternal union.    
• Russian Wedding Ring: A Russian wedding ring has three interlocking rings representing the Holy Trinity.

Gold or Platinum Wedding Ring?
 
Most wedding rings come in gold or platinum.  Both metals are beautiful so make sure to choose your favorite.

• Gold Wedding Ring: A gold wedding ring is most traditional and can be found in yellow, white or rose gold. Gold is soft.  The purer the gold, the softer it is.  As karat weight increases, price, vibrancy, and purity increase but durability decreases so keep this in mind if you are planning on buying a gold wedding ring.  Although a 24k wedding ring might be the most beautiful gold, it will also bend, so you may be better off with an 18K or 14K gold wedding ring. 
• Platinum Wedding Ring: Platinum is becoming a very popular wedding ring metal once again.  If you buy a platinum wedding ring, you are sure to be at the height of wedding ring style.

Wedding Ring Settings 
 
There are many setting available for your wedding ring.  Here’s a list to help you decide.

• Shared Prong Wedding Ring Settings:Gemstones are held in place using grooved metal wire.
• Channel Wedding Ring Settings:Gemstones are set side by side into the metal so no metal shows between the stones.  
• Pave Wedding Ring Settings: Small jewels are set into drilled holes so the entire surface of the ring glimmers with a “paving” of gemstones.

The Perfect Wedding Ring for Your Hand

When buying a wedding ring, you’ll want to buy a style that complements your hand.  Whereas people with larger, wider hands may want to choose a larger wedding ring with large stones, a person with a small hand would probably do best to buy a delicate or narrow wedding ring.  Take height into consideration when buying a wedding ring. A slim finger can look very graceful when wearing a wedding ring with a tall setting. 

Your wedding ring should be a reflection of your love.  Choose what you love and cherish your wedding ring always.