Jewelrystash

How Much Is That Doggy Collar In The Window

2014-03-11T07:01:00.000-07:00

Got Bling?

Safety and comfort are the first requirements for my new puppy’s collar, but pretty little lady Ms. JW’s new collar has got to have some glitz, flair and pizzazz.

I’m not going to buy anything too expensive, but Ms. JW need to always look glamorous, hot and fashionable.

So it’s off a shopping we go to the pet store for a blingy doggy collar.

What Irene's Aquamarine Birthstone Ring Told Me

2014-03-03T05:56:00.001-08:00

Craftsmanship means attention to detail

Irene’s March birthstone ring was a larger aquamarine solitaire, well-cut, beautifully polished and a gem with a traditional water color tint. Perhaps you have an older co-worker or friend, like my ex-boss Irene, who wears the most distinctive and well-made jewelry.

Her ring's setting had longer, stronger prongs and a thicker ring shank. The ring contained a generous amount of gold.

Irene’s choice of aquamarine birthstone ring was a mirror image of her in many respects.

Unfortunately, in 2014, middle-class values for jewelry have somehow been translated into the words “cheap and cheaper” as the price of gold has risen.

Some examples of poor craftsmanship include: thin shanks, short prongs, poorly polished gems and highly included gems. Further some material just looks better in gold instead of silver, like pearls.

I won’t forget Irene and her well-made aquamarine birthstone ring. And just like she always inspired me to do better on the job, I will always seek the best jewelry value for my money.

Why You Need To Return Bad Jewelry Purchases NOW!

2014-03-03T05:45:00.000-08:00

She's not impressed at all

If “Ugh” is your first reaction when you open a delivery of jewelry, you just need to return it immediately to get your money back and restore your confidence. Sending back a jewelry purchase will allow you to get your confidence back after being hoodwinked into buying jewelry that looks nothing like the description on the internet or in a printed catalog.

A stiff upper lip is the number one thing that you need to return unwanted jewelry.

Otherwise your cash money could be tied-up in jewelry that you don’t like and don't want. In these economic times, it's really is your money versus their money.

Returning a bad jewelry purchase is how you can save your own personal economy by restoring money to your bank account.

Key Steps to Ensure Trouble-free Returns

Read and understand the return policies of vendors before you buy: Is the return period 10 days, 30 days or longer? Or returns not allowed?

Does the vendor’s return policy state that a purchase can be returned for any reason or only if defective in some manner?

Will you be able to get a full refund? Or will you be charged a re-stocking fee, which can be as much as 10% of the purchase price.

Will you only be able to exchange an item or be given a store credit?

Packing and Mailing Returned Merchandise

Open cardboard boxes and plastic wrapping carefully so that it can reused.

Save all invoices, inventory tags and packing slips for at least 90 days.

Complete return forms accurately and completely. Carefully wrap the jewelry for return and include any inventory tags.

Pack and securely seal the return package. Get the package insured if the jewelry’s value warrants it.

Check your statement for a credit in 10 days. Contact the vendor if you do not see a credit in 10 days.

In Store Returns

Gather your receipt and the jewelry inventory tag.

Repack the jewelry in the original box or packages to prevent damage before you get to the store.

Present the return and receipt to the sales clerk. Stoically explain that you are returning your jewelry purchase for a refund.

Provide your bank card if asked.

Obtain a refund receipt to check your bank statement or credit card records.

Check your statement within 1 or 2 days for a credit.

Instead of staring at a piece of jewelry you will never wear, you can look at more money on your bank statement. But only if you return the bad jewelry purchase. Now!

How To Get A Fresh New Amethyst Birthstone Jewelry Look

2014-02-10T16:01:00.001-08:00

Scallop carved Amethyst gemstone and diamond ring

If you were born in February, here are 7 new looks of amethyst that will quickly upgrade your birthstone jewelry style:

1. Wear larger stones, 20 plus carats or more, in rings and pendants for the bold look of statement jewelry.

2. Look for checkerboard or other unusually cut gemstones with more intense sparkle and color.

3. Seek Amethyst gems from a different country like Tanzania or Uruguay for more vivid gemstone colors.

4. Try jewelry set with Drusy, crystalline geode pieces of Amethyst.

5. Examine Amethyst gems labeled “color-change” to see if you detect a true color shift.

6. Shop for vintage and antique jewelry pieces, many often contain extraordinary specimens of Amethyst gems.

7. Have some fun with Amethyst carving of whimsical objects like insects, flowers and leaves!

Amethyst birthstone jewelry doesn’t have to be boring and ubiquitous.

The above jewelry styles are ways to make your February birthstone jewelry look fresh, hot and eye-catching.

JANELLE MONAE'S NOW IN COLOR

2014-02-03T13:57:00.001-08:00

Gemstone luxury jewelry with red rubies and green emeralds has a leading role in Monae’s “The Electric Lady” music video. Janelle’s Hollywood glamour jewelry in the video is worthy of a stroll on the Oscar’s Red Carpet.

And what about that red belt with the embellished silver buckle?!

Everything is NOT black and white for the high octave and high octane performer, especially her luxury jewelry.

Give A Flawed Diamond For A Valentine's Day Gift

2014-02-03T13:55:00.002-08:00

Literally holding a hand holding a heart

A heart shaped diamond solitaire gift transcends the elemental chemistry of geology and becomes the biochemistry of love, something very useful for Valentine’s Day.

But gems' composition and structure are just chemical formulas of molecules, that’s what we are taught. Or are they?

To me, no other gemstone, an inanimate object, truly reflects love like a heart shaped diamond solitaire. Test my theory for yourself… which rock in the photo below really tugs at YOUR heart?

A variety of diamond cuts

See what I mean! (The trillion cut diamonds are close seconds.)

It doesn’t even have to have lots of carats or be flawlessly cut. In fact, a heart shaped diamond can have very visible imperfections with a dull yellow color and very little sparkle. Even very flawed, it will still evoke a feeling of pure love.

If you want to acknowlege that you are imperfect, a heart shaped diamond might be the perfect jewelry gift for Valentine’s Day this year. Let the diamond do the ‘talking’ for you.

Ms. Ann's Garnets And The January Surprise

2014-01-13T15:10:00.001-08:00

Classic Garnet Cluster Ring

Over Christmas Dinner it finally occurred to me that Ms. Ann must be a January baby, because she only wears Garnet jewelry--that month’s birthstone. I remember thinking ‘Hmmm… that so unusual for any woman, let alone a young gal to exclusively, only, wear birthstone jewelry.’

Her jewelry look is demure, usually classic Mozambique, coffee or tea colored, garnet cluster designs in earrings and bracelets. She’s a pretty and demure girl who’s also NASA smart. I like that about her: there’s no riff-raff going on here.

A Rare Style of Big Bead Garnets

Too bad we didn’t realize her real style when we all went jewelry shopping for her gift a few Christmases ago.

And I do mean “We”.

Lil Loren enlisted the aid of his Mom, grandmother and me to help him select the perfect jewelry gift for Ms. Ann.

After the sales clerk reminded us, gently, that our selections were “too old” for a young girl, we shut-up and left Lil Loren to his own devices to select a gift. If I recall, he settled-on sapphire earrings. Sapphire is his grandmother's birthstone.

He made a good choice. I’d like to think that it was because I previously told him that a good girlfriend is rare and precious.

And that’s the compelling thing about rich red Bordeaux colored garnet jewelry, it’s always rare and precious looking despite being inexpensive and very accessible.

At one time there were 2 jewelry stores in Chicago that sold nothing but exquisite red rhodolite, berry-colored, garnet jewelry - One on Michigan Avenue and the other on Howard Street. Go figure!

But I’ve seen paintings of Queens, like Elizabeth I and Victoria wearing garnet jewelry. I recall a photo of Elizabeth Taylor wearing garnets.

These were women who could afford royal jewelry or luxury designs but chose to wear garnets when it suited them.

Ms. Ann said "Yes".

I’m beyond happy that Lil’ Loren and Ms. Ann chose each other. So let’s forget about the garnet birthstone jewelry momentarily. I want to see video and photos of that diamond engagement ring.

Finding Platinum Jewelry

2014-01-06T17:00:00.000-08:00

Just window shopping for bling made with the noble metal platinum seems to be getting a little easier these days. This is especially true if you aren’t looking for wedding jewelry and you just want a casual platinum neck chain, bracelet or ring.

The Platinum Hip-Hop chain I secretly desire

I saw some hot buys for pure platinum jewelry on a TV shopping channel right after Christmas. Yeah! On TV!

I bought a chain for my small platinum cross. It was thin, but still had that subtle, sultry white glittery glow of platinum. I was given the cross several years ago, but I could never find an affordable chain for it.

So I always wore it with white 14k gold.

The commodity price of platinum, along with gold, has been falling over the past 12 months. In January 2014, the price per ounce is $1,412 per ounce, down from $1,740 a year ago. (Source Monex).

So look at platinum jewelry again, the price is easier on the eyes now!

Timkat 2014 Festival Is Coming

2014-01-06T16:47:00.000-08:00

This year on January 19, 2014 Ethiopian Eastern Orthodox Christians will start celebrating their world famous religious festival: Timkat. The festival will held on palace grounds and baths in Gondar, Ethiopia.

Ethiopian Christian Crosses

Ethiopian Priest With Ancient Bible Manuscript

Detail of an Ethiopian Ancient Manuscript Page

The Biblical reference for Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity is Acts 8: 26-40 in which Philip witnesses to an high-ranking Ethiopian.

Gondar Palace Bath Area Before Timkat

Each year, Ethiopian Christians celebrate the baptism of Jesus and this Ethiopian during the Timkat Festival.

Shocking Pink Gold Watches... Now Trending

2013-12-23T08:04:00.000-08:00

Pink gold watches were all over the TV in courtroom scenes this year. First, a star witness in a high profile Florida murder trial grabbed attention with her big pink gold fashion watch. Then, Judge Judy, the $41 million lady, appeared to be wearing a solid, pink gold Swiss watch in several scenes on her TV show.

The new pink gold watches are true eye candy. The pink gold of newer watches is much more pleasing to look at than vintage watches made with colored gold. The red gold of vintage timepieces often appears to be bizarrely rusted yellow gold.

Shopping for a pink gold watch has never been easier: Big selections are in all the watch displays at major department stores in the mall. And the pink color, conspiratorially allows consumers to forget that 24K Yellow gold is still too costly for average consumers, at about $1290 per ounce as of December 2013.

Gold Plus Copper Equals Colored Alloys

Copper Nugget

River Bed with Alluvial Gold Nuggets

Copper is added to gold in varying amounts to manufacture alloys of pink, rose or red gold jewelry.

Maybe you want to upgrade your jewelry accessories with a pink gold watch, but you don’t want anything with too big of a dial face or a rose or red gold metal color that’s too over the top and just too dressy.

The New Look of Casio Baby-G Shock

I was, well, shocked to see a Pink Gold Casio sports watch in a mall department store watch display.

You remember Casio watches, don’t you? That’s one of the Japanese watch brands that forced the Swiss watch industry to redouble their efforts a few decades ago.

The Casio Baby G’s watch is trendy looking and not utilitarian. It's a great look for the office and the beach. The model I bought is MP-MBGA5-2, movement 3189 3252 BG-169G.

The Pink Gold Casio Baby-G is a pure fun fashion, not too dressy. (Thankfully, there’s no tiny Casio calculator on a black watch band like back in the day!)

The sales clerk refused to set the watch time for me…he had a line of customers. So he gave me the dreaded Casio watch manual and told me to read it. Which I did at home, but I still had to go online to a YouTube video to figure-out how to set the day name.

That’s OK.

My Baby G pink gold sports watch was priced right, less than $100. The size is not too big. And the sporty fashion color is just too hot… hot pink!

Look Better with December's Cheery Colored Birthstones

2013-12-16T09:31:00.000-08:00

Icy Blue Topaz naturally mined, no enhancements

If your skin gets that ghostly look during winter, forget more make-up, here are some amazing gemstone jewelry fixes with December birthstones.

The cool blue tones of Topaz and Tanzanite, alternative December birthstones, can really cheer-up grayish winter skin: So will mined Zircon, another alternative December birthstone, which has an enthralling sparkle unlike any other gemstone, including diamonds.

Blue topaz is true eye candy. And not all of this gemstone jewelry is a dyed or enhanced blue color. True blue, blue topaz gemstone material is mined in Texas, USA. It’s an authentic cool glacier blue color.

Wake-up Your Skin Tone

Just like make-up, the deep lavender of tanzanite will perk-up anybody’s skin tone dulled by a lack of sun in winter. The specific color tone (there's no red tone) of Tanzanite in stud earrings can work wonders for the skin on your face.

The same goes for Zircon, a God given element. It’s number 40 on the periodic table. It’s mined from the earth unlike manmade cubic zirconia.

White and blue zircon jewelry has a “captured light” sparkle that captivating to gaze at on its wearers. It’s a great sparkly birthstone look that you can buy without taking a big hit from the dollars in your wallet.

How To Find Modern Looking Turquoise Jewelry

2013-12-09T11:55:00.001-08:00

A fresh new take on turquoise bead jewelry

Finding edgy-looking Turquoise jewelry, December’s birthstone, can be a real adventure. Most turquoise seems to be made into Southwest style silver jewelry or Arts and Craft projects with tiny beads.

Why settle for those styles just because turquoise is your birthstone?

Turquoise has a storied past of unique and expensive jewelry looks: From antique Persian baby blue turquoise neck strands to 1920s art deco jewelry designs with diamonds and onyx.

Turquoise ballerina style rings with diamonds were super popular in the 60s and 70s.

Turquoise gold and pearl earrings

If you were born in December, here are tips to find fashion-forward turquoise jewelry:

Ask your personal jewelry about turquoise styles they have warehoused or not on display.
Check estate jewelers for art deco looks made with turquoise.
Check pawn shops with diverse styles of jewelry
Look at online jewelry stores.

Finding the eye-pleasing blue of turquoise with a modern flair can be a real challenge, but worth it, to discover a unique piece of birthstone jewelry.

Merry Christmas To You and Yours!

2013-12-09T06:57:00.000-08:00

Celebrate the profound joy of Christmas with Kenny Loggins' Christmas Music "Celebrate Me Home" :

Merry Christmas All!

WHY TEENY DIAMONDS ARE A NO NO FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS

2013-12-02T12:40:00.001-08:00

Warning!!! Think twice before buying a Christmas diamond jewelry gift designed with masses of smaller carat stones. Here’s why - This video shows how easily a diamond can be shaken out of a setting!

Here are more reasons to avoid jewelry with lots of tiny diamonds:

There’s an increased statistical chance of losing a diamond from ordinary wear…which destroys the jewelry look until a teeny replacement stone can be found to be set in tiny prongs.

There’s less gold or platinum used in small prong settings resulting in overall less value for the jewelry item.

Teeny tiny diamonds are harder to clean and keep clean for maximum sparkle. Ultrasonic cleaning is a no, no!

Teeny, tiny diamonds have fewer facets and thus less sparkle or white lightning.

Solitaire diamond jewelry is always a hot look.

The above points aren't apparent in flashy TV ads.

Diamonds in Pave, other invisible settings or small prongs are really delicate... maybe too much so for extra special Christmas jewelry gifts. They are a real no, no for jewelry like engagement rings that will be worn 24/7 or subject to hard duty like gardening. I would make exceptions for only very casual or inexpensive jewelry styles.

WHY YOU SHOULD WEAR BLING ALL DAY LONG

2013-12-02T12:37:00.001-08:00

Pumps for that Day Glow Look

My sister is working overtime heat pressing Swarovski crystal designs on denim jackets for a motorcycle club of grown-ass men in their 40s and 50s. Yeah! Just about Everybody is wearing Bling on their clothes!

On shoes, phone cases, jeans, eye makeup, tee shirts and sweaters, it’s bling, bling and more bling. Shiny sequins, glistening Lurex, sparkly crystal fashion looks are not just for evening styles any more…just ask your average 13 year old girl.

Baby girl bling

Bling for the office?

Bling for casual daywear

The style is not going away. It’s mainstream now for office wear or casual looks.

The best sequin and bead applique selections are in stores NOW for the holiday season.

So pick-up a few shiny, sparkly fashion looks for EVERYDAY wear to stay hot and fresh looking!

Better yet... Take a long hard look in your closet to see what sparkly clothes you already own that would look great as daytime looks. Next, take a look at your see-through blouses.

Big, Bold Style With Citrine And Tiger’s Eye November Birthstones

2013-11-18T06:50:00.000-08:00

Sterling Silver Earrings with Trillion Fancy Cut Citrines

The real birthstone power of citrine and tiger’s eye is revealed in bigger gems, fancy faceted cuts, bold beads and carved artifacts. If your birthday is in November, don’t settle for gemstone chip necklaces and bracelets of citrine gems or smallish tiger’s eye power beads.

Tiger's Eye In Revealing Big Beads

This ubiquitous quartz material is really inexpensive.
Citrine and tiger's eye gems are perfect for big statement jewelry looks.

Marquis Cut Citrine Gem

Buying bigger and bolder jewelry looks made with November’s birthstones won’t take a big cut out of your wallet.

Commemorate Native American Heritage Month

2013-11-11T13:17:00.001-08:00

Concho belts are my favorite Native American Jewelry Art

A full-blooded Native-American co-worker sold me a cute bead necklace of turquoise chips and matching woven earrings designed with glass seed beads. Her sister crafted the jewelry.

In another instance, I purchased a turquoise chip necklace at a train stop on a Reservation while traveling to a vacation in California.

Buying this jewelry was an honor.

The necklaces and earrings are not ornate like the expensive artisan Native American jewelry sold at jewelry boutiques for hundreds, even $1000s of dollars.

But take it from an African-American, any and all artistic efforts to maintain a peoples’ culture are valiant, no matter how small.

Yes, November is National Native American Heritage Month. A month is not enough.

There are many, many websites that sell authentic tribal jewelry crafted by Native American artists. Online stores are worth a look to get the depth and breath of this cultural craft.

But I usually shop for Native American jewelry at art fairs. It's one way that I commemorate Native American tribes. I pause for a moment to ponder their art and culture of tribal jewelry making.

Murano Glass’ Soft Gold Touch For Winter

2013-11-04T07:40:00.000-08:00

Glistening Murano Glass Beads with 22kt Gold

I was shopping at my favorite bohemian Brazilian jeweler looking for a very thin gold chain to restring some rough diamond beads. Then I happened upon some Murano glass bead earrings with inlayed 22kt gold foil.

My first thought was that the earrings would look fabulous with winter-white clothes.

The glistening crystal-like glass with the 22kt foil will be just the right soft touch, not like an "over-golded" jewelry look of link chains. ('Over-golded': I define as instances of wearing too much gold jewelry or the wrong gold accessory.)

Murano Glass "candies"

In years past, I had purchased a few Murano glass small collectibles and trinkets like trompe l’oeil candies.

True Murano glass color work is such an intriguing eye-catcher. But I stopped looking after only seeing a flood of cheap import fakes in stores: creepy imitations not true Italian craftwork.

Detail of gold flecks in amber Murano glass

The Italian Murano bead earrings at my Brazilian jeweler were a real bargain for authentic craftsmanship.

I bought the Murano glass earrings for a great price that equaled the price of 1 Italian bead charm sold at many stores. The buy was a "no brainer" because the beads were already crafted into earrings.

Lock It Up! Now!

2013-11-04T07:37:00.001-08:00

Chances are, someone has already been lurking around your bedroom or home office without your knowledge. Be responsible and secure your very valuable jewelry.

Security Costs Are Less Expensive Than Jewelry Theft

Get busy now! Here's are some ways to minimize the chances of jewelry theft from your home.

Small home safes are less than $100 at online stores. These safes are HEAVY. So buy online and let the UPS guy lug it in the front door for you.

Small lockable beauty cases are less than $15 at the corner drug store. You might like looking at your jewelry on display on your dresser top... but so do some other people.

Don’t buy a jewelry box without a lock. You can find beautiful, lockable boxes at your full-service jeweler or online.

Access Your Risk of Jewelry Theft

A recent episode of Hoarders: Buried Alive featured the worst case yet, hidden behind a home’s neat yellow façade. Inside, it was a hot mess, except for the owner’s jewelry which was set apart over in a corner.

Curiously, her 4 or 5 dozen gemstone rings were neatly organized in a glass display case. Gold neck chains were neatly hanging from stands. All this jewelry was among squalor and filth, probably the worst case ever on the series.

Burglary would seem to be the least of the hoarder's worries.

But for you and I, it’s a different story. (Isn’t it?)

Burglars might actually be the least of your worries compared to some individuals, "invited guests" you actually allow into your home without a 2nd thought.

Also secure the irreplaceable possessions of your children or elderly parents: This particular lesson, I learned the hard way.

Research Security Ideas

Here are some security ideas that were posted in a story on Yahoo about a family’s home safe: Man Open Old Safe, Discovers Gold Coins. Be sure to read the comments section-great security ideas are revealed there.

Enough said! Or do you need to lose your jewelry before you learn a very hard lesson?

Finally Found! WWII Nazi Art Loot

2013-11-04T07:34:00.001-08:00

TheVerge.com reported today that German police have found over a billion dollars in Nazi wartime looted artworks. The art pieces, including paintings by Renoir and Picasso, were found in an apartment outside Munich, Germany. Here’s the link to the article: Nazi Looted Art Found.

The Shahs Of Sunset Season 3 – Mo' Better Decadence

2013-10-28T08:20:00.001-07:00

Is it true that gazing at pure Gold metal can make you happy? Well, the Persian stooges on The Shahs of Sunset seem to be proof positive of that… until they crash from their golden heights:

Honestly, think about it: What would make people act like this? And what could make us love to watch them sooo… much? Could it be the Gold?!!

The Shahs of Sunset has been solid gold fun for the first 2 seasons. The 3rd season starts Nov 5th on Bravo TV.

New TV Series “Gem Hunt” Rocks!

2013-10-22T20:30:00.000-07:00

See the remote mines, the miners, the wholesalers, the gem rough… all before the markup. Follow gemstone buyers Ron, Diane and Bernie on the Travel Channel’s new series ‘Gem Hunt’.

They travel to the some of the world’s most far-flung places seeking luxury gems, “good rocks”, for their wealthy clients.

The show features incredible close-up HD photography of finished “monster gems”, AAA+ material.

Halloween Jewelry Styles... On The Cheap

2013-10-21T10:24:00.001-07:00

A costume that takes a bite out of your wallet too

Here’s the true story behind why I stopped putting-out my spider themed Halloween display and stopped wearing spider jewelry for Halloween:

I caught a febrile case of arachnophobia a few springs ago while weeding a rosebush only to be stopped cold by the venom yellow eyes of a spider staring me down. I immediately stopped weeding.

And I didn’t garden anymore that year because I was scared to death that I might have a run-in with the yellow-eyed spider.

I Got Sasquatch (Earrings) For Halloween

That’s when I started setting-up my Bigfoot Sasquatch Halloween display. Mind you I started my Bigfoot Halloween theme display long before the TV show “Finding Bigfoot” was broadcast.

I admit my Bigfoot display is just half-ass…I only have a couple of signs and sound effects. Oddly, the sound effects don’t scare little kids but the accompanying adults seem genuinely terrified.

I do wear my Bigfoot earrings, however: Whimsical Taxco Mexican Silver big feet with green malachite inlay (vintage screwbacks). Unfortunately, I paid too much for them. But I had to satiate my Sasquatch obsession.

I wouldn’t recommend doing that.

Collectible Fright Night Jewelry

Of course, if you COLLECT whimsically themed scary jewelry then price might not be the only factor you consider: Collectability, of course, is the primary factor.

Otherwise junk jewelry is probably the best option for Fright Night. You probably already know the Halloween jewelry standards:

Light-up jewelry is very effectively dramatic
Skulls, other bones or skeletons

Gothic and vampire “dark” jewelry

Realistic whimsical Insect jewelry… rings are especially creepy

Big, oversized styles to catch the kids’ eyes, like crowns

Best Place To Find EERIE Jewelry

Plastic Halloween themed jewelry from the corner drugstore will do just fine and save big bucks for a once yearly event. It's a cheap fix. The costume jewelry at Halloween stores costs way more than treasure at drugstores.

Come on! How much money do you really want to spend on Halloween jewelry to scare a bunch of little kids?

How To Get Better Hair With October’s Birthstone

2013-10-14T11:18:00.001-07:00

Beautiful, Young, Lush Hair Deserves Tourmaline

One of the scientifically proven powers of tourmaline is that it eliminates ‘bad hair’ days. Yes siree! Tourmaline is a birthstone for October, along with Opal and Coral, but it's not just for rings and pendants. I’ve conducted my own experiments and there’s no doubt about it: Tourmaline will give you the look of hair from your youth.

It works! It really works!!

How Tourmaline Makes Hair Styling Easier

In a nutshell, tourmaline is slightly radioactive and emits negative ions, the very particles that enable air cleaners to freshen indoor air. Those very same ions smooth the cuticle of hair strands making it easier for me to detangle and style my hair.

Black Tourmaline - also purported to negate EMF

So in my case, using hair styling tools made with tourmaline features, is the difference between hair that’s like an uncombable brillo pad after hair drying OR smooth hair that’s very easy to style.

Tourmaline’s ions have made world of difference in my hair care rituals.

I now only use blow dryers designed to emit negative ions from built-in tourmaline crystals - I also own hair combs made entirely of crushed tourmaline gemstones.

These combs also give my hair a glossy sheen that’s comparable to a light spritz of silicone hair products.

Tourmaline Gemstone Colors

Tourmaline, technically boron silicate, naturally occurs in a wide spectrum of gemstone colors. My favorites for jewelry, especially rings, are the ‘eye candy’ bubble gum pink and the very happy watermelon tourmaline varieties.

Tourmaline also commonly occurs in Pink

Opal and Coral Birthstone Updates

Ethiopian Opal is a comparatively inexpensive gemstone that has become more available on the market in the last 5 years. As with any gemstone’s that from a remote part of the world, on the periphery of conflict, mined with hand tools and cheap: Buy it while you can!

Lanvin, the French design house, featured red coral couture designer jewelry in a recent spring collection. Lanvin’s fresh, new jewelry designs are very organic looking, very art nouveau.

October’s birthstones deserve fresh new looks: Tourmaline because of its alternative use in hair tools, the new source of opal from Ethiopia, and updated red coral couture jewelry designs.

Serena Williams Is The 2013 China Open Champion

2013-10-07T09:10:00.004-07:00

Can you guess what's missing after viewing this YouTube clip of the 2013 China Open Final match? Serena Williams defeated Jelena Jankovic 6-2, 6-2, to win the ladies final of the China Open in Beijing, China on October 6.

Read on to discover the answer to what's missing from the match!

The answer is at the 8 second mark of the video clip: Serena wore no visible jewelry during the match and throughout the tournament: No dangling earrings; no gold heart necklace; no big watch – none, nada, nothing.

A Different Tennis Style

Even Serena’s tennis dress was very a subdued tone: Shades of gray with only a pop of yellow color in the back. Her headband was a pastel peach and her hair was tinted a dark brown instead of the more exuberant auburn color.

Her nails were a pale moonlight polish color (Serena is a certified nail tech) and her lipstick was a neutral pink-red- the nebulous mauve. She wore black and white tennis shoes, a switch from the pink she frequently wears.

Is This The New Serena?

What gives?!!! I don’t know….

I speculate that Serena Williams’ subdued styling for the 2013 Beijing China Open was a nod to conservative Chinese culture. Frankly, Serena never looked more beautiful and powerful.

But the more extroverted makeup, clothing and jewelry styling has been a winning look for Serena in more ways than one: According to Tennis Channel Serena has won $10 million in prize money for 2013 and $51 million throughout her entire career!

Then again, nothing says “conservative” like minimal jewelry style for times when you know that a particular opponent will never, ever be distracted by prominent, flashy displays of jewelry, gold or gemstones.

You know the types: The individuals that can only be overcome by power and strategy-because they won’t be admiring your shoulder duster earrings or couture designer necklace.

Minimal Jewelry Style Looks

Wearing just one of these minimal jewelry looks will transmit a contrary message of power:

· Very small, eye clean white diamond stud earrings about .2 carat with maximum facets

· Swiss diamond watch with a stainless steel bracelet

· Wedding band or ring

· Small 18K gold ball earrings

· Sapphire gemstone stud earrings in a blue or black color

We can all learn a lot from Serena Williams’ winning jewelry style at the 2013 China Open. Nothing says “Winner” like ‘Pretty Powerful’.