Everyone knows that, when it comes to gifts, there are three types of guys: the guy who’s really sweet, tries hard, and generally manages to get it right; the guy who’s really sweet, tried hard, and still fouls things up pretty often (but he’s cute and sweet so you try to forgive him); and the guy who just doesn’t try very hard at all, so you’re pretty excited when he gets you something more interesting than a toaster.

As chance would have it, most guys seem to be most like guy number 2—he tries to catch your hints, and he always puts a lot of thought and heart into your gifts, but a lot of times, he just misses one or two details that happen to be, well…CRUCIAL! But we all love him anyway.

Like any girl, you really, really want him to get you something good for Valentine’s day, if only because you can’t stand the hangdog look he gets when he sees that you don’t like his Valentine’s gift. So here’s a hint—online wish lists are your friend.

I know, I know, how much thought could a guy really have put into a gift if you’ve already told him what to get you? But, if the alternative is “Hangdog Harry” for two weeks after Valentine’s, it may be worth the compromise. I mean, after all, he at least needed to think about which items on your wish list he thought would mean the most to you. And, of course, while he’s looking at the things in your wish list, he may find other things that you would like too—so even guy number 1 (the guy who always knows just the right gift) can be helped by a wish list.

As you know, my favorite jewelry store is Pugster, and I think their wish list is pretty cool. You just click on the “Add to Wish” list button in the product description, and when you’re done you can email to whoever you want. To demonstrate, let me show you what’s on my Pugster Wish List for Prince Charming this year:
A couple of months ago, I started my first European beads bracelet, and boy, am I addicted! They’re just so cute! And they’re so easy to slip on and off and rearrange. And they’re good for, literally, any occasion. I can wear them to dinner with grandma, or to a dinner party, or anywhere, and people are always commenting on my bracelet.

I love how this charm bead sparkles, with its Austrian crystals.

Again, I love how this little red heart is surrounded by sparkling crystals. And a little bit of color is always welcome.

I like my earrings dangly, and these pink heart-shaped Murano glass earrings are just gorgeous. And the thing I love about Murano glass is that it’s so versatile—it can be dressy or casual, and it looks great either way.

If Prince Charming is really feeling nice this year, this is what he’ll get me! I love how delicate this pendant looks hanging from its shiny white sheer ribbon. And it’s perfect for the spaghetti strap dress I want to wear out on Valentines.

More Murano glass earrings—actually, I think these would be great for wearing to work, or out to lunch with a friend. Casual and fun.

Sterling silver is great for Valentine’s Day, and I love how this cute heart outline kind of hangs at an angle. And while CZ is no diamond, it looks just as good when your man doesn’t quite make the big bucks yet.

This ring is sooooo cute! I love how feminine it looks with the dangling heart charm. I think I’m going to get this for one of my best girlfriends (we’ve been friends since preschool), but I’ll be jealous if I don’t get one too.

I met a friend of mine for coffee last weekend, and she was wearing this incredibly cute clasp charm bracelet, with all kinds of cute little charms, so I’ve been thinking about starting a bracelet myself.

As you know, I love Italian charms, and these deluxe charms are a really fun way to make a classier Italian charm bracelet.

I know it’s kitschy, but something about Valentine’s Day brings out the third-grader in me. Remember making “Be Mine” cards out of construction paper? I sure do, but Italian charms are easier.

What else needs to be said? Well, besides “I love it!”

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.

Mother-in-Law Day is October 21st! Click Here for some great gifts and deals!

Wishing Good Luck to You!

Throw out that chain mail! It’s bad luck, a scam, people who write them are scary! That’s always what I’ve heard. Usually when I receive a chain letter, I’m spooked for days, burning sage, spreading bowls of salt about my apartment to ward off the nasties. Of course there are always exceptions. Recently I received a very tempting chain letter. I had to participate.

Gemstone Jewelry!

Through the years I’ve received chain letters for money and recipes, even clothes and sandals. I’ve always passed but this last letter, well, being the gemstone jewelry gypsy I am; I just couldn’t resist a gemstone jewelry trade. The letter went like this:

Hey Guys and Gals,

Love gemstone jewelry? Here’s your chance for more gemstone jewelry!

Your favorite gemstone jewelry!

Click Here - Jewelry Coupons by Email

Choose your favorite gemstone jewelry. Write your preferred gemstone (affordable please) beside your name and that’s the gemstone jewelry you’ll get!

It’s Easy!

Send a piece of gemstone jewelry (wrap that gemstone jewelry carefully) to the person at the list’s top. Try to buy that person’s favorite gemstone. Cross that person off, writing your name, address and favorite gemstone at the bottom. Send this gemstone jewelry letter onto five more people.

You’ll receive your first piece of gemstone jewelry within days!

I’ve sent this gemstone jewelry letter over a dozen times, and I’ve never been disappointed. I now have a lot of gemstone jewelry.

Try it! You can’t lose with free gemstone jewelry!

Free Gemstone Jewelry!

Girls, I’m glad, glad, glad to say I shook the spookies and took the gemstone jewelry letter leap. I’ve already received 11 pieces of gemstone jewelry! My favorite gemstone jewelry? Well, you’ll just have to keep your eyes open for the gemstone jewelry letter.

A gemstone variety of quartz, the amethyst is the birthstone of February. It is known as the gemstone of spirituality and contentment. The Amethyst is also known to endow its wearer with stability, strength and peace.

The gemstone’s purple color is associated with royalty and has been used around the world to adorn regal crowns and jewels. Since amethyst is considered to symbolize piety and encourage celibacy as well as to represent humility, it is often worn by clergy of the Catholic Church.

Amethysts in History

The earliest recognition of amethyst comes from Ancient Greece – where the gemstone gets its name. Derived from the Greek,”amethystos” meaning “not drunken”, the name reflects the belief that the stone protected its owner from drunkenness.

This legend is drawn from a Greek myth about the god of wine, Bacchus. The myth tells that Amethyst, a beautiful woman, was condemned to death by the hands of Bacchus.

When the goddess Diana turned Amethyst to crystal to protect her, Bacchus was remorseful and wept tears of wine onto the crystal. This stained Amethyst purple. In Ancient Greece, drinking from a cup fashioned from amethyst was thought to prevent drunkenness.

Historically, this gemstone has been used by royalty and is included in the British Crown Jewels. They were also a favorite of Catherine the Great as well as the royalty of Egypt.

Origins and Presentation

Mined primarily in Brazil, Uruguay, Bolivia and Argentina, amethysts are also found in African countries. Amethysts mined from South American countries are available in larger stones. Yet, African amethyst enjoys a reputation for deeper colors.

The gemstone ranges in color from pale, lilac-purple to a rich, deep color. The deeper, vibrant purple shades are considered more valuable. If it were not for the widespread availability of amethyst, the popular gemstone would be quite expensive.

This Amethyst Cross Ring is only $17!

If you’re starting to feel a chill in the air, then you’re feeling the same thing I am – fall is really here! The month of September is coming to an end, while autumn comes to its peak.

As the trees are turning their beautiful autumn colors, so the colors and shapes of the fashions of the season are changing and evolving.

WHAT’S HOT THIS FALL

This year, styles from years ago are again at the top of the “must-have” lists for fall fashion. Leggings and knits are definitely leading the way.

Leggings were one of the top fashion icons of the 1980’s and they’re back again. For me, it’s just not going to happen, but it sure is fun to see all the young girls dressing up like I used to in high school!

On the other hand, I’m certainly happy about seeing knits popping up everywhere! They’re comfortable, stylish and not too pricey.

COLORS COLORS COLORS!

Last season’s white sensation has made a bold turn with red taking over as the “hot” color for this fall season. Whether you find it in shades of cherry, cranberry, or tomato, red will always turn heads. It’s classy, easy to accessorize, and always available.

When not going for a bold statement with the reds, there are other great colors making a big splash this fall! Teal blue is great around the office, and plum purple is quickly becoming the new black!

Personally, I love the purples best. You can pair it with winter white, sienna, and a whole range of other colors. Accent with mother of pearl, and you’ve got the perfect classy combo.

CHOICES

Whatever you choose, try to focus on color combinations more than the style. We all know we’re not 22 any more (well, some of you are!) – so the hottest little skirt isn’t always the top priority. But, getting those wonderful fall colors and the accessories to match will make your outfits just right for you!

Ooh La La! Red Murano Glass Bracelet - $12.99

This Mother of Pearl Pendant is beautiful with all the fall colors and is only about $25!

So there you have it. Get into fall with some great colors and comfortable styles! - Summer

Pearls are the only gem created by a living creature. When a foreign object is caught in an oyster shell, the oyster protects itself by coating it with nacre. Layers of this substance form the iridescent appearance of a pearl. Pearls were once extremely rare and expensive since thousands of oysters had to be searched to discover very few pearls.

Today, pearls are cultured in both saltwater and freshwater. The term cultured does not mean that the pearls are synthetic. They are actually created within an oyster. However, a procedure is used to encourage the formation of the pearl. Usually, a tiny bead is inserted into the shell. It is returned to the water where it will begin to coat the object with the pearly substance. The oysters are then harvested for their pearls.

Pearl Quality

The iridescent quality of a pearl is known as the orient. The degree of luminescence is one factor in determining its worth. Lack of flaws or spots is another factor. A pearl’s texture, shape, size and color are also considered measurements of value.

Cultured vs. Synthetic Pearls

Though cultured pearls are produced within oysters, they are not naturally occurring gems. Synthetic pearls are man-made imitators of the pearl. You can determine whether a pearl is cultured or synthetic by checking its texture. Cultured pearls have a slightly rougher, sandpaper-like feel. Synthetic pearls are polished to a glassy, smooth finish. Sometimes a synthetic pearl has a painted surface which contributes to the smooth texture.

This richly colored gemstone is known as a symbol of faith, consistency and truth. Mostly appearing in deep shades of red, the garnet actually displays the widest range of colors of all gemstones. Garnets can be found in every color of the spectrum except blue. The January birthstone takes its name from the Latin word for grain and is actually a family of gems rather than one specific gemstone.

Garnet in History

Jewelry featuring the garnet has been found dating back to 3000 BC, through the ruins of Ancient Greece and Egypt where garnets were used as talismans. Also, this gemstone was included in tombs of Ancient Egypt - meant to light the passage to the afterlife.

In Biblical history, Noah is depicted using a garnet to illuminate the way of the ark. The garnet is also one of twelve stones to adorn the Breastplate of Aaron, made by Moses for his brother. In the middle ages, the garnet was believed to hold medicinal value. The gemstone was said to offer protection from poisons and cures for other illness, especially those dealing with blood and infection.

Origins

Garnets today originate from African countries but are also mined in India, Russia, Central and South America. Usually cut into classic shapes, fancy cuts are becoming more common. Some members of the garnet family are exclusive to one part of the world. Many types, old and new, come from Africa.

The green Tsavorite garnet, named by Tiffany’s in New York, is found in Kenya and East Africa and imported by the United States.

Celebrate each season with its associated gemstones. This is another great way to select a gift or your own gemstone jewelry!

Spring Gems

Known as the gem of eternal spring and youth, the vibrant green emerald is the perfect springtime gemstone. This gem has long been known as a symbol of love and rebirth. Other gorgeous representations of spring include amethyst, pink topaz and peridot.

Summer Gems

Symbolizing passion and heat, the fiery red ruby is an ideal summer gemstone choice. The ruby is the birthstone for the month of July and is known as the “king of precious stones”. Summer’s bounty and heat is also well represented in the garnet, zircon and alexandrite.

Autumn Gems

Autumn is a time of harvest. The blue fall sky and the hope that new harvest brings is embodied in the bright sapphire gemstone. Hyacinth, topaz and tourmaline are also excellent choices for fall gemstone selection.

Winter Gems

Wintertime sparkles with the classic diamond gemstone. Bright and full of light, the diamond symbolizes ice and snow. Other fine choices are the winter gemstones turquoise and pearl.

Searching for the perfect present? Gemstones are wonderfully personal gifts to mark a special occasion! Full of meaning and personal significance, they can be selected to commemorate anniversaries, birthdays, even to enhance personal appearance. Remember, you can also simply select a gemstone by color.
Go beyond the birthstone! Explore the world of gemstones and add a personal touch to your gift-giving.

Birthstones and Zodiac Gemstones

Is there a difference? Yes! While birthstones are determined by birth month, Zodiac gemstones are matched to your astrological sign. For example, for a birthday of September 22nd, the birthstone (for the month of September) is Sapphire. However, the Zodiac stone for this birthday would correspond to the Libra stone Opal.

Other Special “Birthstones”

These special Day of Birth gemstones correspond to the day of the week that you were born. Monday babies have a different stone than Thursday babies born within the same month or Zodiac sign.
Looking for a gemstone gift that is really unexpected? There are gemstones to match the hour of the day when you were born! Giving the gift of an Hour of Birth gemstone is not only unique and thoughtful but highly personal.

Wedding Anniversary Gemstones

Most people are aware that gemstones make fantastic birthday gifts. But you can also celebrate with wedding anniversary gemstones, marking each distinct year of your marriage with a gem equally as special and unique.

Turquoise is usually formed in areas with volcanic or thermal history. Most Turquoise is found in volcanic rocks but some is found in granite-like rocks. In order for turquoise to form there must be copper, aluminum, phosphorous, and water. As other minerals such as principally iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, silicon, and zinc enter the turquoise, creating color and hardness variations. The hardness of turquoise varies significantly from piece to piece. Hardness can range from a little over 2 to nearly 6 on the Mohs scale.

There are many factors which determine the value of a piece of turquoise. The most significant include hardness, luster, color and rarity.

There are many different grades of turquoise, therefore, when you are buying turquoise jewelry, you may find two rings which look very similar buy are drastically different in price. Gem grade turquoise, you will find, is much more expensive (and a much better investment) than low-grade turquoise.

A dense and hard piece of turquoise with a natural luster and color (rather than from polish or tint) carries more value than a softer piece of turquoise, or one that has been unnaturally modified.

Geography also determines the price of any given piece of turquoise. The rare Lander or Lone Mountain turquoise can cost as much as 75 percent more than Chinese or Tibetan turquoise.

Artwork is another consideration. Because turquoise jewelry is so frequently used to create beautiful, one of a kind, intricate pieces of jewelry-art, one might find that a particularly beautiful piece of turquoise jewelry may cost more that a piece of turquoise jewelry which is not as beautiful, but made of a higher grade turquoise.

Whatever turquoise you buy, get what you want! Turquoise makes beautiful and enduring jewelry!