This winter dramatic necklaces are a must.  Layers of beads and pearls, bold pendants and extra long necklaces are all very popular this season.

If your jewelry collection consists of mainly simple pendants on thin chains, it doesn’t take much money to upgrade to this new trend.  You can find some fashionable beaded necklaces at affordable prices, often even with matching earrings.  Or you can simply add a bigger pendant to your existing necklace chain.

For some of my favorite necklace ideas for this winter, click the pictures below:

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Dramatic Necklaces for Winter

Looking for a creative gift for your Bridesmaids that doesn’t blow your wedding budget?  Sometimes the little things can make a big impact and show your Bridesmaid how thankful you are during this busy time.  Here are some inexpensive ideas for bridesmaid gifts:

• Make it personal: It doesn’t have to be expensive if you show that you really took time to find something special just for her.  An engraved jewelry box or picture frame are great examples.
• Travel essentials: If your bridesmaids are traveling from out of town, something small to welcome her will be much appreciated.  Whether its her favorite snacks or a local souvenir, she’ll feel much more welcome. Or how about a monogrammed tote bag to carry her stuff home in?
• Something she needs: If you’ve ever been a bridesmaid, you know that the cost can really add up.  Treat her to a manicure and pedicure, or give her the jewelry that you would like her to wear in the wedding.  A small gesture will make her feel appreciated and know that you understand her financial sacrifice for your special day.
• Something sentimental:  This one takes some thought, but chances are you will be able to think of something really special that isn’t expensive.  Maybe you could give her a newer version of that “best friends” necklace you two wore in Junior High.  Or perhaps your nickname for her is “Ladybug” so you give her something ladybug-themed.  Think about how you met, the things you’ve been through together, and the things you have in common.

For some of my favorite bridesmaid gift ideas, click the pictures below:

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Budget Bridesmaid Gifts

Pearls are very popular during the Christmas season, and during a slow economy, pearls are an affordable luxury.  To help you pick out the perfect pearl necklace, earrings or bracelet, here’s some quick facts about pearls that you’ll need to know:

• What is a cultured pearl?  Because of the rare nature of natural pearls, cultured pearls are basically “helped” to begin the process of becoming a pearl.  In nature a pearl begins forming when a grain of sand, dirt, etc. finds it’s way into an oyster.  To speed things up, a cultured pearl is created by inserting a tiny bead into the oyster manually.  You get the same beautiful, natural result with a little less wait.
• What color are pearls?  Pearls come in a variety of colors including white, cream, black, pink and yellow.
• What shapes are pearls? Pearls come in a variety of natural shape, the rarest (and most expensive) of which is round.  You’ll also found pearls in teardrop shapes, oval shapes and slightly off-round.
• How do I care for pearl jewelry?  Keep your pearl jewelry away from harsh chemicals such as household cleaning solutions, perfume and hairspray.  Pearls have a relatively soft surface, so you should store your pearl jewelry separately from other jewelry to avoid scratching your pearl jewelry.  You can clean your pearl with a soft cloth.  If needed you can dampen the cloth, but make sure you allow the pearls to dry before storing them if using a dampened cloth.

For some of my favorite pearl jewelry, click the pictures below:

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All About Pearls

Stacked bangle bracelets are continuing to be one of the most popular jewelry trends this winter.  From just a few thin sterling silver bangles, to several bright multi-colored lucite bangle bracelets, everyone seems to be stacking bangle bracelets this winter.

The best part is that you can buy just a few bracelet and create a variety of looks.  Everyone will think you have a huge jewelry collection, and will never know how budget-friendly your stacked bangles are.

For some of my favoriate stacked and stackable bangle bracelets, click the pictures below:

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Winter Jewelry Trends: Stacked Bangle Bracelets

Many teens are holding true to their beliefs and proudly wearing Purity Rings to show their commitment to abstinence until marriage.  Many parents purchase purity rings for their children, and church youth groups often give purity rings as gifts upon completion of special religious ceremonies or classes.

Purity rings are typically worn on the ring finger, meant to only be removed upon marriage/engagement.  Purity rings serve as a constant reminder of your pledge to remain pure.  True Love Waits rings are one popular style, although purity rings vary greatly in style.

For some of my favorite purity rings, click the pictures below:

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All About Purity Rings

Jewelry is the perfect way to show her how much care on your wedding Anniversary, but how do you choose?  Luckily, in addition to traditional and modern wedding anniversary gifts, there is also a gemstone for each wedding anniversary.  Here’s a quick guide:

• Year: 1st
  • Traditional Gift(s): Paper
  • Modern Gift(s): Clocks
  • Gemstone: Gold Jewelry
• Year: 2nd
  • Traditional Gift(s): Cotton
  • Modern Gift(s): China
  • Gemstone: Garnet
• Year: 3rd
  • Traditional Gift(s): Leather
  • Modern Gift(s): Crystal, Glass
  • Gemstone: Pearl
• Year: 4th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Fruit, Flowers
  • Modern Gift(s): Appliances
  • Gemstone: Topaz
• Year: 5th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Wood
  • Modern Gift(s): Silverware
  • Gemstone: Sapphire
• Year: 6th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Candy, Iron
  • Modern Gift(s): Candy, Iron
  • Gemstone: Amethyst
• Year: 7th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Wool, Copper
  • Modern Gift(s): Desk Sets
  • Onyx
• Year: 8th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Bronze, Pottery
  • Modern Gift(s): Bronze, Pottery
  • Gemstone: Tourmaline
• Year: 9th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Pottery, Willow
  • Modern Gift(s): Linen, Lace
  • Gemstone: Lapis Lazuli
• Year: 10th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Tin, Aluminum
  • Modern Gift(s): Leather
  • Gemstone: Diamonds
• Year: 11th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Steel
  • Modern Gift(s): Jewelry
  • Gemstone: Turquiose
• Year: 12th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Silk, Linen
  • Modern Gift(s): Pearls
  • Gemstone: Jade
• Year: 13th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Lace
  • Modern Gift(s): Textiles, Furs
  • Gemstone: Citrine
• Year: 14th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Ivory
  • Modern Gift(s): Gold Jewelry
  • Gemstone: Opal
• Year: 15th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Crystal
  • Modern Gift(s): Watches
  • Gemstone: Ruby
• Year: 20th
  • Traditional Gift(s): China
  • Modern Gift(s): Platinum
  • Gemstone: Emerald
• Year: 25th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Silver
  • Modern Gift(s): Silver
  • Gemstone: Silver
• Year: 30th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Pearl
  • Modern Gift(s): Diamond
  • Gemstone: Pearl
• Year: 35th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Coral
  • Modern Gift(s): Jade
  • Gemstone: Emerald
• Year: 40th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Ruby
  • Modern Gift(s): Ruby
  • Gemstone: Ruby
• Year: 45th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Sapphire
  • Modern Gift(s): Sapphire
  • Gemstone: Sapphire
• Year: 50th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Gold
  • Modern Gift(s): Gold
  • Gemstone: Gold
• Year: 55th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Emerald
  • Modern Gift(s): Emerald
  • Gemstone: Alexandrite
• Year: 60th
  • Traditional Gift(s): Diamond
  • Modern Gift(s): Diamond
  • Gemstone: Diamonds

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Anniversary Gift Gemstones

There are two gift trends that I’m seeing a lot of this holiday season: pearl jewelry and personalized gifts.  That’s why I was so excited when I saw that we’ll be carrying a combination of the two!

For under $30, check out the personalized pearl bracelets available below.  Personalized gifts seem incredibly “personal” even when you have no clue what to get the gift recipient.  And classic pearls will always be in style, so you know that she’ll wear these bracelets for many years.

And if you are one of the lucky few that have already begun your Christmas shopping this year - congrats!  There are fewer days between Thanksgiving and Christmas this year, which means that the stores are going to be extra crowded.  As for the rest of us, we’d better get started!  Happy shopping!

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Personalized Pearls

If there’s one accessory that can literally change your outfit entirely, it is earrings.  So if you are looking to make a big splash with little cash, adding the right earrings to your ensemble can make all the difference.

Add some sparkling crystal or CZ chandelier earrings to instantly dress up your work clothes for a night out.  Some classic pearl earrings can make even jeans look elegant.

For the most flexibility for your money, owning a key set of what I like to call “everything earrings” is critical.  These are the earrings that no matter what you have on, they will perfectly compliment it.  Spending a little extra on these earrings will pay off.  Good picks would be studs featuring your birthstone or another gemstone that you feel great wearing.  Black onyx is both elegant and classic, and will look great with everything from jeans to an evening gown.  Also make sure you have some classic sterling silver hoops or other sterling silver dangle earrings.  You’ll find that these will match perfectly with just about everything, too.

For some of my favorite Everything Earrings, click the pictures below:

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Earrings on a Budget

The traditional November birthstone is citrine, which is also the gemstone for the 13th anniversary.  This beautiful yellow gemstone is thought to increase creativity and feelings of joy.  Citrine adds a splash of color to your outfit, and makes a great gift not only for November birthdays, but also to symbolize hope and strength.

For some of my favorite citrine birthstone jewelry, click the pictures below:

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November Birthstone: Citrine

There are times when a friend or family member needs a little inspiration. Perhaps she is going through cancer treatment or mourning the loss of a loved one.  Sometimes a small gift and card can make a big difference, brightening up a gloomy day.  For some inspirational gift ideas, click the pictures below:

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Inspirational Gift Ideas