Innovative Ways to Gift Wrap Jewellery

Who doesn't love receiving jewellery as a gift? However, if you are the giver and not receiver, I have some suggestions for gift wrapping jewellery that are fun and quite unique, and will certainly put smiles on every one's face.

If you are giving a brooch or pin, attach it to a sweater or scarf. The person receiving it will be so pleasantly surprised to see that they are receiving this beautiful e.g. sweater and then be even more surprised by the complimenting pin.

Why not slip a ring on a pair of gloves. Perhaps the gloves are a part of a hat/scarf set.

If you know someone's favorite brand of wine or champagne, empty the content into another empty bottle, attach a ribbon to a ring or earring, lower it into the bottle and tie the ribbon around the outside of the bottle and wrap it up. When they open it, up, they will be pleasantly surprised--then go fill up your wine/champagne glasses with the reserved drink and have a toast to celebrate.

Coffee lovers will enjoy this one. Empty a canister of coffee beans, slip the jewellery piece in there--make sure the jewellery is in something and refill. Give a complimenting coffee mug with it. This certainly gives a whole new meaning to the expression "coffee never tasted so good"

Take an empty papertowel roll, place jewellery item in, and place confetti inside and I guarantee there will be a burst of confetti when it is opened.

If you are giving clothing, why not conceal the jewellery item in one of the pockets.

A beautiful plant or fresh cut flowers can conceal jewellery, either by wrapping it within the plant, or actually attaching it to a petal or leaf.

Fill an ice bucket with confetti and place jewellery in it.

For the sweet tooth, slip a ring on a rolled candy and place in a stocking with other candies so it blends in.

You can also slip a piece of jewellery onto a Christmas ornament as a natural part of the tree's decoration, or slip it on to the tree branch directly.

If giving a stuffed animal, add the jewellery to the "Teddy".

Have fun and be creative. I would love to hear of your other creative ideas.

The Beauty Within Opals

Opals are absolutely one of the most beautiful gemstones on this earth with their unique rainbow iridescence which changes depending on the angle their viewed from and direction of natural sunlight--this is also known as opalescence.

A mineral by the name of cristobalite is layered within siliceous jelly which causes these vibrant flashes of color. When light hits the opals, watch out, because what radiates outward can be an electric light show.

Opals contain water and some can contain as much as 30%. If there is water loss, then the opalescence will no longer be visible. That is why it is best to store opals very carefully. Some people store it with a damp piece of cotton.

There are many different classifications of opals - white, black, matrix, fire to name a few. Each one has their own unique characteristic beauty.

It is written in mythology that Zeus 's tears contained in Opals after his victory from the Titans.

Opals are considered a lucky stone by many, it is seen as a symbol fo etenal hope.

On the Moh's scale of hardness, it is ranked at 5 1/2 -6 1/2. They are very sensitive if they are knocked or hit against something--wear them cautiously.

Pearl and Diamond Jewellery Are Building Blocks for Future Purchases

I recall when my parents had their retail jewellery store and parents, grandparents and godparents would come in to purchase dainty little pearl stud earrings. As a small child, I could not appreciate the significance of such a purchase for a little girl or young woman.

I do remember some of the conversations for the reasons that people purchased pearl earrings; "My daughter is turning 16, and this is her first pearl jewellery", "Our granddaughter was born in June, and pearl is her birthstone", another customer, who enjoyed purchasing fine jewellery for his wife and daughters, put it simply, and I never forgot his reasoning..."When I buy pearl jewellery for the women in my life, I am buying a piece that they will keep forever and I can buy complimenting pieces for them".

Pearl and diamond jewellery are classic pieces that can be worn everyday, with every outfit, every occasion, everyday, 24-7. They are timeless and stand the test of time from generation to generation.

They are neutral colored pieces of gems and can be mixed with other gem jewellery. They are the building blocks for future pieces, i.e. pearl earring = pearl ring, pearl strand, pearl ring, pearl brooch, pearl pendant.

One key factor to remember is that quality of gem is more important than size. An example would be the choice between purchasing a 5 pt. fine quality diamond versus a 10pt. poor quality diamond. If you invest in a high quality smaller diamond, I promise you that the stone will sparkle and will be noticed from a distance, versus a larger one that has no life (brilliance).

Rather wait, and save your money, and when the time is right, invest in a quality piece that you will treasure for a lifetime.

The Many Different Shades of Garnets

When we refer to garnets, most people are familiar with the common red garnet since it is the principal color . However, there are several subgroups of garnets, each with their own distinct color and name. Actually, there are approximately 10 subgroups of garnets.

While garnets share similar chemical compositions, they are available in a spectrum of colors.

The name 'garnet' is Latin in origin and means grain because of the rounded crystals.

Dating back to the days of antiquity, garnets were set in crowns for European Royalty, as well as set in weapons and shields for Knights and warriors.

Almandine garnets have a pink/red hue, spessartites are orange to red-brown, grossulars range from green, yellow to copper-brown, demantoids are green, while uvarovite are emerald green.

On the Moh's scale of hardness they range between 7 and 7 1/2 and therefore wear very well.. Garnet mines are located in Bohemia, Madagascar, India, South Africa, Australia, Canada and the U.S.A.

Folklore has it that garnets strengthen the heart and memory and brings hope to people.

It is also believed that Noah used a garnet lantern to guide his Ark through the dark nights.

When Someone Refers to You as a Cougar...It's Other Meaning

The expression that a woman is a "cougar" refers to women over 40 who seem to be attracted to younger men. While some women laugh it off, others are offended by it, since men who are attracted to "younger" women are not given such labels.

Well let me share with you the character traits of a cougar, and the next time someone calls you one, hold your head up high.

The traits are: leader, confident, clever, responsible, dependable.

Pretty in Pink Has New Meaning

If you cannot get enough of pink, check out this beautiful ring at:

http://www.rubylane.com/shops/eternalfinejewels/item/001104

Pretty in pink! You certainly get your double dose of pink with this "pinky ring" that can be worn on your "pinky finger".

The entire ring is made from pink gold with some small spots of yellow gold due from alloy mix.

In the center of the ring, a vibrant pink tourmaline is securely bezel set. The stone is so clear you can see the bottom of the shank.

The upper section of the shank has a criss-cross design.

Ring size 6 1/2 and resized free of charge. Tourmaline is genuine and measures 7x5mm. Stamped 9ct. Weighs 1.60 grams.

Choosing the Right Signature Ring For Yourself

A signature ring, is a ring that you wear everyday, or almost everyday. It's like your second skin--a part of you, your "signature" mark.

Firstly, you have to decide what type of precious metal suits you i.e. gold/silver/platinum. If you already wear i.e. gold jewellery and own quite a few pieces, then most likely, you would choose a gold ring.

Do you want a ring with a gemstone, or do your want a ring with a contemporary design? If you choose a gemstone ring, check out the hardness of the stone on the Moh's scale of hardness, before purchasing. A ring that will be worn everyday, should be a hard stone. Decide, which color works for you. Look at the colors in your wardrobe. Which stone would compliment the colors you wear often?

Hint--diamonds are the hardest mineral, and can be worn with everything, as they are a neutral color--and boy do they sparkle.

Size of a gemstone should not be the focal point, as the quality is more important.

Look at settings, since bezel settings protect a stone better, while a prong setting maximizes the beauty of a stone, but also can get caught in fabrics.

Look at your lifestyle, work style. If you work from home, or are a stay-a-home mom, you may choose something more simpler. If you work outside the home, you may choose a more flashier ring.

Also, choose a ring that can be a building block for other pieces of jewellery. For example if you choose a sapphire ring, down the road you can purchase a sapphire earring, pendant, etc.

Choose a ring that reflects your personality, individuality, spirit.

Artisan Revival of Vintage Slide Gemstone Earrings

Slide bracelets have always been a treasured piece of jewellery to own. We have taken it to the next level with an 'artisan revival ' of this classic by designing these slide dangle pair of earrings.

It always amazes me how influential the designs from the past can be re-invented and recreated into wearable works of art--with contemporary features and artisan appeal.

These earrings though are sterling silver, the vermeil finish allows them to be worn with gold jewellery.

Also, the mix of colors allows them to be worn with every color in your wardrobe.

Both earrings have a unique arrangement of slides and have in-line engraving so that the stones stand out.

As, classic as a charm bracelet, slide bracelets are here to stay as are these unique earrings.

THE EIGHT CLASSIC AND TIMELESS JEWELS IN A WOMAN’S JEWELERY COLLECTION - CONCLUSION

A brooch while very functional is also the finishing touch for an outfit. It is like the icing on the cake. Traditionally a brooch is worn on the left collar of a lapel, however, you can also pin them on sweaters, in the center of the bodice of a dress or over a button hole. You can also pin it at the top of a skirt with a slit—their versatility is unlimited. This is one fashion accessory that can be worn with everything and make an outfit’s appearance go from simple to WOW.

Excuse me do you have the time? A good watch will last you a life-time, especially if you purchase a quality time piece. The classics such as Rolex, Cartier and Omega are as popular today as they were when they were first introduced.

A quality watch, as functional as it is, also completes an outfit and displays sophistication and timeless elegance. Your choice of watch should reflect your personality and lifestyle whether it is a stainless steel automatic watch or a classic vintage wind-up watch.

The sophistication and elegance of Hollywood legends such as Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn and Deborah Kerr cultivated an era of glamour, but these ladies also had their signature jewels that they wore passionately throughout their lifetime. By choosing your own special classic piece of jewelry, you will make your own personal statement that reflects your own glamour and elegance. Whether these pieces are worn on formal attire or with your favorite pair of blue jeans, these timeless jewels, shall be your most cherished and treasured pieces.

THE EIGHT CLASSIC AND TIMELESS JEWELS IN A WOMAN’S JEWELERY COLLECTION

Bangle or link bracelets give a very polished look to long or short sleeve attire. A bangle bracelet is a very sophisticated piece of jewelry, while a link bracelet is sportier.

I recently had a conversation with someone who told me that she received her first gold I.D. bracelet when she was a young child. When she was a teenager, she received another one. She wore her bracelet every day; it was like her second skin. Many years passed and eventually she invested in a substantially heavier I.D. bracelet. Today, she is in her mid 50’s and that bracelet does not come off her wrist.

A ring for every finger, why not, we have 10 fingers. Joking aside, I’ll settle for one classic beauty! That might be a gemstone ring, perhaps a birthstone ring, or you may choose a ring that makes a statement and is bold and flashy. A pearl or diamond ring might appeal to someone who likes a neutral color gem.

A non gemstone ring, such as a solid gold ring, could include stackable bands for simplicity and versatility, a family crest or initial ring or an abstract design. I often see ladies wearing their wedding band/engagement ring on their left hand and a family crest or signet ring on their on their pinky finger on their right hand.

Part 4 - Conclusion - Tomorrow