A Woman's Guide to Investing in Fundamental Jewelry Pieces - Part - 3

A good chain, whether a link or flat chain, completes a shirt or dress. A choker length chain displays better when worn with a scoop, tank or open neck shirt. If you choose a longer chain, you have the option of adding a ring to one of the links so you could adjust the length by wearing it at a shorter length. From one chain you can create two different lengths. With a longer chain, you can also add a pendant. If your chain is very long, you can wrap it around your neck once or twice.

If you see a design for a chain that you really like, you may wish to invest in two of the same chains. A shorter one for everyday and a longer one for special occasions. You could also wear the two together for two different looks.

There are so many unique chains on the market. If you you are a traveller, you may see something quite unusual on one of your journeys. As an example, if you travel to the Middle East, the gold is 24kt and has a rich color, the designs for chains are extraordinary. Don't miss out on an opportunity to purchase a chain if do see a spectacular one on one of your travels, you may regret later on not buying it. One of my customers, while she was single travelled a lot. One summer she spent travelling through Europe and discovered the beautiful jewelry of Florence, Italy. She saw a beautiful chain and while it was very affordable, she was undecided about purchasing it since she didn't want to part with all her cash. Fast forward several years and today she REGRETS that she didn't buy it. "I haven't seen a chain like it since, why was I so narrow minded", says Caroline.

You may wish to invest in a simple chain for everyday and a more decorative one for special occasions.

If you are a connoisseur of vintage/antique jewelry you may choose a very unique, handmade piece. There is something to be said about vintage jewelry--you do not see these pieces worn every day on the average person.

Consider your lifestyle, look through your wardrobe and then decide which chain would best suit you.

Any questions, I am e-mail away at: jewelbox57@live.com

Use Caution When Travelling With Jewellery

Having just returned from a two week Christmas vacation from a 'beach resort', I was so surprised to see the number of ladies wearing their expensive and sparkling diamond jewellery as well as heavy gold chains and bracelets. While for most of us our jewellery is like our second skin when travelling, you are taking all sorts of chances and risks when you are wearing your jewellery--potentially losing them, standing out in the crowd and risking your safety.

In so many of these communities, the locals are constantly begging for money whether you are walking along the beach or in the downtown core. While it is heartbreaking to see people living in the conditions that they do, for them, it is also about daily survival. Tourists are their golden opportunity and if you stand out, you are an easy target.

I leave all my jewellery at home with the exception of my gold wedding band and a cheap $9.00 watch--those are the only two pieces that I wear.

Blending in with the other tourists and locals is key--you do not want to stand out and attract attention to yourself. If you wear flashy jewellery you are are projecting an image of wealth and taking risks for your safety.

Last year, one of my customers was walking downtown while on vacation and she felt perfectly safe, until a local woman came up behind her and tried pulling off her 2 carat diamond ring. She screamed and struggled and it scared off the assailant and salvaged her ring, but she was devastated by the experience.

Did you know that many people also lose their jewellery while on vacation - suntan lotion can make rings slip off and when you go swimming in the cold ocean, your fingers shrink and your rings will slide off.

I don't want to scare any one, just to make you aware. Going on a vacation is wonderful, but by taking certain precautions, you will minimize the risk of being a target and ensuring your safety.

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.