Maire Loughran's Blog

Posted by Maire Loughran

I was looked at various fashion magazines at the bookstore this weekend and saw a few peasant type tops that had a single row of jewels sewn around the neckline.

This is a very trendy look for 2008 but one that can be difficult to wear properly. It's just the nature of the beast that gemstones sewn in this fashion are going to weigh down the garment and perhaps make it hang funny.

If you're buying this type of top or dress when you try it on just make sure it doesn't hang all unevenly. For example, there's nothing worse than a neckline that's draping away from the body. And if it looks weird in the store, it's only going to get worse with wear. One possible solution is to sew around the necklace with elastic thread to draw the fabric in.

I do this quite a bit with sweater hems that get baggy. It's an easy way to revitalize the sweater.

Posted by Maire Loughran

I noticed the last time I was at Target that the Subversive counter looked pretty unorganized and sparse. Looks like this might be one designer whose time at Target is running down.

Target has deeply discounted all pieces of Subversive Jewelry. Much of of it discounted by 50% - 75% with free shipping for minimum orders.

For example, the Lucite bumble bee bracelet I reference in my Subversive for Target article is now 1/2 price.

Add coupon code "EVW6WK7W" and you'll get an extra 10% off.

It's worth a look - but remember - this jewelry is very oversized.

Posted by Maire Loughran

My article on how to make the circular pendant Charlize Theron wears in the beginning of the movie Hancock, is published. In the movie, the pendant appears to be a textured 14K gold open circle hung on a black silk cord.

Here are some possible sources if you don't wish to use the 14K gold wedding band I use in the project instructions. All of the below are available online from Fire Mountain Gems. None of these components are karated gold so the prices are really inexpensive:

• Textured oval shaped drop - 3/4 inch in length costs about $5.
• Decorative Circle Shape - with surface design, this is inexpensive as well.
• Ching Dynasty Design Coins - for a slightly different look. And the coins are extremely inexpensive.

Rio Grande also has some awesome components you can put to use in the necklace. You have to be registered at Rio Grande to purchase from them. If you have a Rio Grande paper catalog check out the 14K gold components.

Posted by Maire Loughran

I just got done writing an article about the karated gold jewelry Charlize Theron wears in the movie Hancock.

The jewelry is by designer Ilias Lalaounis - the article gives more info about three pieces of jewelry worn in the movie, how to buy the jewelry and how to replicate the look on the cheap.

I've found a picture of Charlize Theron wearing the gold bangles I reference in the article. It's a hugh image so you'll have to scroll to the right and down probably. Those bracelets by the way clock in at over $10,000 each.

The necklace she's wearing in that image is very easy to duplicate. I've just published an article with easy DIY instructions to make one yourself.

Onto the earrings - I don't remember them from the movie but they appear to be gold hoops with a bamboo texture. Check out my article on jewelry worn at the Academy Awards. I provide a link there to a pair of similar earrings available through Amazon - for I think less than $15.

Posted by Maire Loughran

I was flipping through the latest issue of Fortune magazine and found a new diamond industry ad. It states 'Chocolates Taste Good, But They Make Really Messy Heirlooms'. It's accompanied by an image of a pair of diamond stud earrings. Actually I think they should ad a tag line - 'calorie count - 0' to add a little humor.

Smart marketing for today's near recessionary times. In other words don't buy fine jewelry just to wear it - it's also a great investment for the future. Which ties in quite well with the 'A diamond is forever' campaign (who doesn't love that commerical showing the elderly couple walking hand in hand?).

Tiffany's is making some changes as well. They've realized there is a big market with woman buying their own jewelry. In order to tap into this market they are opening smaller stores that don't carry engagement rings. This move is expected to increase self purchasing.

Let's face it - it is quite dreary to see a bunch of happy engagees picking out rings if you're divorced, widowed or currently in between partners.

Posted by Maire Loughran

At the 25th anniversary of the Women's Jewelry Association (WJA) last week Sybil Yurman, president and chief marketing officer of David Yurman was awarded the 2008 Hall of Fame Lifetime Achievement Award.

David Yurman got his start in jewelry making after receiving positive reaction to an angel shaped copper belt buckle that he designed for his wife, Sybil. Well, one thing lead to anther and the jewelry design business really took off with Yurman's twisted helix design bracelet. At that time, Sybil was in charge of the selection and pairing of different colored gemstones for use in the twisted helix bracelet.

Working hand in hand or as Mrs. Yurman puts it, "her ying to his yang" the two built a jewelry making empire.

Posted by Maire Loughran

I briefly mentioned worry beads in an article I wrote about the Bead Museum of Washington DC. Worry beads as the name implies are strung in a specific manner and then used by sliding them through your fingers. This repetitive task is used to calm the mind.

Got an email from Fire Mountain Gems yesterday - they're got instructions up on their site to make komboloi worry beads. These beads are Greek in origin and are made from amber beads.

Fire Mountain Gems based their design on beads found in the Komboloi Museum in Nafplio, Greece. It's design idea #8712 on their website.

Here's the link to the instructions using amber and sterling silver beads. Looks like a very easy and inexpensive project.

Posted by Maire Loughran

As I stated in my last article about the Bead Museum of Washinton DC, many jewelry artists start out their careers by stringing beads. It's easy and the tools are relatively inexpensive.

You don't have to go any further than to your local magazine stand to have access to many beading magazines that have great illustrated instruction sections. I've also posted quite a few articles on this site on the topic of connecting clasps, which is the hardest part of the fabrication process.

If you've progressed past that point or have no interest in stringing beads - you want to learn how to solder and forge, then the Society of North American Goldsmiths (SNAG) has a fantastic guide to universities and colleges with jewelry and metals-related programs.

It's an excel file and is ordered alphabetically by the name of the school. If you want to check out a particular state just do a data > sort to rearrange the info by state.

Posted by Maire Loughran

I've just finished an article about the Bead Museum of Washington DC. For any jewelry artist, this is a worthwhile stop should you be in DC.

What I didn't mention in the article is that they have a beading contest for which they are accepting submissions.

The deadline electronically (emailing jpgs) is 8/8/08. I know, it doesn't leave alot of time. But if you have a progect underway or finished one previously it's worth a shot to enter it.

The contest fees range from $35 to $140 depending on how many items you submit. These fees help support the Bead Museum so they do go to a worthy cause.

I find gemstone beading a little tedius. If I ever get the time I want to start forging my own metal beads and interspace these with gemstone beads. Maybe someday.

Posted by Maire Loughran

I've been struggling with the design element of the latest jewelry making project - that of the twisted wire 'guitar string' bracelet.

I was going to attach a lettered tag using the 'making memories' brand metal sheets and die stamping kit. This is just turning out to be a nightmare. I worked on stamping the letters into the metal for over 2 hours and I just couldn't get it to look right. Additionally, the metal was just not suitable for the purpose I had intended. So back to the drawing board.

The bracelet is about 1/2 complete and actually looks quite cool. I'm going to put it away for a few days and come up with another idea for it's finishing that will keep it a 'beginner' type project.

In the interim, I'm going to the Bead Museum in Washinton DC and to the Smithsonian to see the Hope Diamond this weekend and will write articles on both topics.

I'm also working on an article on snake jewelry. Angelina Jolie has been spotted wearing a cool wrapped snake ring. I'll find more examples of this type of jewelry that seems to be very popular once again.

All this should be published by mid July 2008.

Posted by Maire Loughran

My next jewelry project for suite101 was to be a black leather bracelet with cut outs similar to what Bottega Veneta was showing in Fall Fashion Week in Milan with his garments.

However, after writing my last article on celebrity bracelet style, I've decided to post instructions first on making a twisted cable bracelet similar to the guitar string bracelets featured in that article.

I've checked out the tensile strength of guitar strings to try to duplicate the look using sterling silver wire. Apparently the tensile strength varies based upon what type of guitar is being played.

While the guitar strings bracelets are very cool, and you might prefer purchasing one made from your favorite musicians' guitar strings, you can duplicate this look for a fraction of the cost using the instructions I give in my article. I'mgoing to get the instructions up before 4th of July - hopefully sooner.

I'll post the complete supply list at a later date, but the main component is 18 gauge sterling silver wire. Buy a 5 foot pack from Fire Mountain Gems or another vendor. I went to Michaels this weekend and purchased some aluminum metal sheet and metal glue (making memories brand) - in the scrapbooking department.

You'll also need a stamping die set with alphabetic characters. If you don't have one, making memories markets one as well.

The instructions for the black leather bracelet will be up sometime this summer.

Posted by Maire Loughran

I've just finished one part of my series of articles on Subversive Jewelry. Designer, Justin Giunta was honored as best accessories designer by the Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation at the Spring/Summer 2008 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

In addition to designing for women, he also has a Mr. Subversive design line for men. The Cha-Ching necklace shown in my article is one of Mr. Subversive line.

If that necklace is a little to elaborate for the father in your life, there is also a pair of handcuff cufflinks that are really unique and a prison link and handcuff necklace. The cufflinks are offered at his website for $240, the necklace is $460.

Not down with the prison theme, check out the family crest shield cufflinks, also offered at $240.

Go to the artist's website for the complete male line of jewelry. Follow this link, click on Collections > Mr. Subversive.

Posted by Maire Loughran

I started sewing my own clothes when I was 8 and started dying fabric using those Paz Easter egg kits at the same time. I used to stockpile the Paz kits at Easter to use year round.

I'm the type of designer that just gets sick of whatever it is I am making during the design process, hates it when it is done and has to put it away for a few days to gain perspective. Then I'm normally back in love with the design. The same is not true with the Mother's Day charm bracelet. I was happy with that design from start to finish - that's probably because the whole project took about 10 minutes to make and I didn't have a chance to get sick of looking at it.

Want to make a charm bracelet or memory pendant in less time? Check out Martha Stewart's new line of jewelry making kits. The charm bracelet kit comes fully assembled. The only thing you have to do is select small pictures to press on the glue pads placed on the bracelet's flat oval charms. The kits also come with a nice fabric gift bag.

The bracelet kit was $9.99; memory pendant $7.99. I didn't buy one but both kits seemed a good value for the price. After you select the pictures, these projects would probably take less than 3 minutes to complete.

Posted by Maire Loughran

Sak's Fifth Avenue has an assortment of about 20 pieces of David Yurman jewelry they suggest for Mother's Day gifts. The jewelry runs the gamut from earrings to bracelets. The cheapest item is $390; the most expensive is $700.

Any one of these pieces would be a much appreciated gift for a Yurman fan. However, I don't see much value in purchasing any one of the pieces otherwise. Honestly, they all look like a stripped down version of Yurman - maybe to keep the prices less than $1000 - who knows.

Don't get me wrong - I like David Yurman. It's just that I'm not particularly fond of any of these pieces.

You want a little more bang for your buck, and still want to be able to present the gift in a Sak's bag? I suggest the Gucci Bamboo Heart Necklace at $275. It's got a nice twist on the heart shape and the bamboo theme shows you're eco-friendly.

Posted by Maire Loughran

Lucite jewelry is hot, hot, hot and has been for the past couple of seasons. Honestly, factoring in it's attractiveness and overall just cool appearance, I don't see Lucite fading from the fashion scene for quite a while.

The king of Lucite design is Alexis Bittar. I mentioned in my wedding article one of his bracelets that would be totally appropriate for a wedding and beyond - it's priced at $395.

The good news is, if you don't want to shell out that kind of money for a special event, Bag, Borrow or Steal now offers about 12 of his pieces for rental.

Two problems - the bracelet that I specifically mention in the wedding jewelry article in not among those available for rental and two most of the pieces are wait listed.

However, it's worth a look. There is one hinged gold bracelet that would also be just fantastic for a wedding or other special event.

Posted by Maire Loughran

The big jewelry news for Spring 2008 is stacked bangles and multiple bracelets. I reported that a couple of months ago when reporting on Spring and Fall Fashion weeks. Check out the ads in any current fashion magazine such as W, WWD or Vogue you'll see what I mean.

A reason post at In Style's style file addressed the question of finding bangles and stacked bracelets that were the right size. Alex and Ani to the rescue. They have designed a line of adjustable bracelets that you can stretch out or bring in so that they fit your personally sized wrist.

The standard size bracelet in the USA is 7.5 inches. Have petite wrist bones or slightly oversized ones? No worries, now you can wear just the right size.

"I wanted to create bangles that everyone can wear comfortably" states designer Carolyn Rafaelian. Mission accomplished.

Posted by Maire Loughran

All of the supplies for the prom/wedding tiara were purchased at Michael's. Here they are:

• Amaco brand Wire Form three 12" thin copper rods (1/16 inch in diameter). Amaco also has a web presence where you can buy rods. (you'll have to convert the diameter and length)
• Darice brand - TOHO Treasure Beads 11/0 Round. Color: Opaque Luster Creme
• Crystal Elegance brand - 32 Swarovski 4mm Bicone Silk beads. Color:Toupie Coral
• 2 5mm sterling silver wide mouth beads.
• 2 sterling silver bead caps. Size: fit 5mm - 6mm beads
• 20 gauge Beading wire - gold tone was used for this project. You could also use gold filled or sterling silver wire.

If you don't have a Michael's Craft Store handy (search their store locator), all the beads and beading wire are available at many different craft stores. JoAnn fabrics also has an extensive selection of craft supplies.

Some other suggestions:

Crafts Etc sells 3 1/16" copper rods for less than $3.

Artbeads sells 4mm wide hole sterling silver beads (maybe use 2 copper rods instead of 3) for .16 each.

If you have a beading shop in your area, they should also have a wide selection of beading supplies. Try doing a google search for 'bead shops, your city, your state'. Just for fun I did that for St.Louis Mo and I got about 6 hits in the greater St.Louis area.

Posted by Maire Loughran

My latest article about Wedding Jewelry 2008 trends mentioned emerald beads as a cost conscious alternative to emerald gemstones. I also have a few images accompanying that article of various strands of emerald beads.

Wondering where I bought them?

It's a process to purchase reasonably priced precious gemstone beads. You just have to keep your eye out and be ready to buy when you find them.

The spring green emerald necklace with ruby beads - I purchased the emerald gemstrand on ebay for $137. All gemstrands come temporarily strung. I restrung the purchase using about 1/2 the beads on the strand. So two emerald necklaces for $137 - not bad. The emerald is a very light green indicating that it's not the best of specimen but it is faceted and has alot of flash.

Two other venues - Fire Mountain Gems will occasionally carry faceted ruby, sapphire and emerald gemstrand. Make sure it clearly states 'faceted'. WIthout the facet you won't have the flash. So does The Earth Bazaar.

Posted by Maire Loughran

I'm putting up an article on how to make charmed layered chains for mother's day. Check back in about 2 -3 weeks. I've also just put up an article on how to make a killer pair of princess cut cubic zirconia earrings.

Can't be bothered to make it yourself? Neiman Marcus has some fantastic cubic zirconia jewelry - the brand is Fantasia by Deserio. They are not set in 14k gold - the setting is 18-kt white gold vermeil. The 5 carat square cut studs (Item #17E) cost $125; round cut 4.5 carat studs (Item # 17F) are $89.

Total cost to make the 6mm princess cut (square) 14K gold leverback earrings in my article was under $100. So I still think if you are the least bit handy it's a better bet to make 'em yourself - but the Fantasia jewelry is a nice alternative.

Give them to Mom or that special lady in the West Elm Lux Jewelry Box (Item #59-9480179). It comes in three lacquer finishes: ivory or antique silver with black velvet lining and yellow with natural linen lining. Cost: $89.

Posted by Maire Loughran

Here is the supplies list for the instructions to make the cubic zirconia solitaire earrings posted as part of my 3 part series on ring maintenance and jeweler's pliers.

These supplies were purchased at Rio Grande. You will need to set up an account at Rio Grande to shop there.

If you do not want to set up an account at Rio Grande try Fire Mountain Gems. They've got some sterling silver leverback earring hangers with Snap-Tite settings. Just make sure the stone you purchase is the exact same size and shape as the setting.

Ok - here are the exact supplies for the earrings made in the article:

• 14K gold 6x6 square leverback earring hangers (2 to a package) - Item #620261. When I purchased these in March 2008 the cost was $57.33. Remember - you can always go to Fire Mountain Gems and purchase sterling silver - but you will have to work with round settings.
• Cubic zirconia 6MM princess cut - Item #069484. I got a package of 10 for $14. You will only need 2 but save the rest to make more jewelry.

That's it except for the pliers which are discussed in the article.

Check out the instructions. They are extremely easy - even for the beginner.

I love my pair - they are my new staple. And, the princess cut is a good twist on wearing round studs.

Posted by Maire Loughran

Here is my recap of two very current fashion trends:

• thin leather or fabric bracelets worn in multiples. They do not all have to be the same color. In fact, with a solid color dress or top it makes more of an impact if you use different coordinating colors. If staying in the same color family, vary the type of leather or fabrics used. For example, mix patent leather with suede or braided cotton with buckled linen.

Fabric and leather bracelets are very work place friendly as they will not make a jangling noise when you move your arm or hand. No one wants to be in the cubicle next door to the wind chime woman. Additionally, it is not perceived as being very professional if your co-workers can hear you coming from the elevator due to your musical accessories. Men, in particular, seem to really loathe this.

As Marie Claire states in their March 2008 issue, "if you can still raise your arm, you're not wearing enough".

• Charmed jewelry is still a very safe bet for Spring/Summer 2008. This type of jewelry is a perpetual favorite. Even if it goes slightly out of fashion for a few seasons, charmed jewelry, like many fashion trends will cycle back.

Charmed necklaces look very stylish with the day maxi-dresses that are being pushed for the Spring/Summer 2008 season. It is very easy and pretty inexpensive to make one that is specifically tailored to your particular charm/talisman preference.

Keep on eye on on my jewelry making articles as this is an easy beginner project that will be published in time to make one for Mother's Day.

Posted by Maire Loughran

April 19, 2008 Update: Ok - what's happened? Ms. Lakshmi has totally abandoned wearing the cool jewelry of seasons past. She's still wearing some great outfits but has gone totally minimalistic on the jewelry. Very disappointing, she used to be a role model for combining garments with appropriate jewelry.

Top Chef has kicked off it's new season in Chicago. I've watched it for the past three years. A good part of the reason why I watch the show is the fabulous jewelry Padma Lakshmi wears on the show. She is always dressed in up to date jewelry that looks fantastic with her garments.

I remember last year she worn a turquoise blue top with a pair of tan slacks. She had on a pair of awesome turquoise earrings. But the stunner of the outfit was a turquoise studded belt buckle. It was just an amazing look - a great upscale, casual outfit.

Season 4, show 1 did not disappoint. During the Quick Fire Challenge she wore a set of bangle bracelets that had some sort of a set off design element. Very, very cool and they really went well with the simple dress she wore.

Try to catch this show, at least in reruns. Bravo replays episodes frequently each week.

Posted by Maire Loughran

There is nothing more vexing than to glance at your hand and notice your ring is missing a gemstone. It can be more than vexing if the gemstone in question is a large diamond solitare.

This happened to me last weekend and I really should know better. I was visiting my son in Chicago and about an hour after I checked out of the hotel room I noticed one of the diamonds from a family piece of jewelry was missing. It was a cold weekend in Chicago and I had been pulling on and off a pair of snug fitting leather gloves while wearing the ring (another big mistake - don't ever wear gemstone rings with gloves). Apparently, I loosened one of the prongs.

Well, I checked the rental car and my luggage hoping it somehow fell in there - no luck. I know it was not missing that morning when I put the ring on and I really did not have time to go back to the hotel to check the room. It was only a .15 carat diamond, but still I was pretty irritated with myself.

Checking the prongs should be a daily routine whenever a fine piece of jewelry is worn. In my next article I give tips on how you can avoid having to shell out the money for a new gemstone. And, I give instructions on using prong closing pliers to make a cool pair of princess cut CZ earrings that look fantastic.

Posted by Maire Loughran

My latest article on jewelry worn at the 2008 Academy Awards discusses the earring and bracelet styles that were prevalent.

Not discussed in that article were 3 actors who were wearing stunning necklaces: Jennifer Garner, Laura Linney and Keri Russell.

Jennifer Garner wore a big, sort of scalloped diamond necklace (designer, Van Cleef and Arpels) with matching earrings and bracelet. It was truly spectacular and obviously tremendously expensive. It was so big, it really reminded me of a collar on one of those shirts from the 80's that buttoned up the back. Wow! Lots and lots of diamonds.

The fabulous Laura Linney wore jewelry by Cathy Waterman. Her necklace was a very romantic, Victorian style ornate hanging chain arrangement set with diamonds with a large blue topaz pendant.

Keri Russell also wore a necklace that was made from numerous precious metal chains. Her necklace was set with purple gemstone accents. It was a totally appropriate selection for her strapless gown that was in a luminous lavender hue.

One other note on jewelry. Shame on Cameron Diaz who could not remember the name of the designer whose jewelry she borrowed for the event. After asking an aide for the name of the designer, Diaz said it so quickly I totally could not understand what she said.

Imagine how you would feel if you were the designer, excited that an A list celebrity was wearing your jewelry to a major event and your name was a garbled GKLKJL I would have been in tears.

Posted by Maire Loughran

I recently wrote an article about the design style of Rachel Roy, mentioning the fact that she is showing feather jewelry with her Fall 2008 Ready-To-Wear collection.

I tracked down a simply fabulous leather and feather cuff bracelet that will coordinate nicely with the colors being shown for both Spring 2008 and Fall 2008. The colors for both seasons are a variation on each other with Fall's colors tending to be just a little less vibrant than Spring. Makes sense - this color scenario carries itself out just about every year.

Jody Singleton's feather cuff combines the best of 2 hot trends in jewelry - leather wrapped bracelets and feathers. It is a brown leather wrapped bracelet with peacock feather trim on the closing assembly.

Priced at $125, it became available on February 1, 2008 and will be for sale online for the rest of this year.

Posted by Maire Loughran

If you live near the Atlanta, GA area, the American Craft Show will be at the Cobb Galleria Centre from March 14, 2008 to March 16, 2008.

I try to go to as many of these shows as practical. They are just a great showcase of new and existing jewelry artists. This year the show will also include artists using recycled materials. I'm not all that keen on this type of jewelry, as I am a fan of traditional jewelry.

In my mind, jewelry should be wearable and made from some sort of 'jewelry' type material. Twigs and pieces of discarded building materials hangng from my neck or ears is just not my idea of a good time. I feel there is a difference between great sculpture for your table or wall and jewelry that is street wear.

One exception to my metal and gemstone rule is Alexandra Bitner's lucite jewelry. I'm going to be adding a write up of her latest white lucite creations in my updated wedding jewelry article to be posted by the end of March 2008. I think her jewelry is just fantastic - it is also very wearable.

Ok - interested in the Atlanta show? Check out all the info. Free parking. Admission is free if you are a American Craft Council member, $12 for a one day pass and $18 for a two day pass if you are not.

Posted by Maire Loughran

The instructions to make this bracelet are posted via an article.

Here is some info about purchasing the leather:

To make it really easy for you I went to JoAnn Fabrics' retail shop and bought some of their pre-packaged Tandy brand suede leather lacing. If you do not have a JoAnn Fabrics, you can purchase this same product online directly from Tandy Leather. Per yard it is cheaper to purchase directly from Tandy.

I use 2 yards of tawny colored suede lacing but you can use any type of leather or suede lacings for this project. Actually, 2 yards is not enough to totally recreate the Vera Wang look. So, if you want to completely duplicate her gladiator style wrapped bracelet, purchase a 25 yard spool from Tandy and use 6 yards. Use the remaining 19 yards to make Spring/Summer gifts for friends or sell at craft shows.

The instructions given in the article will show how to make the the buckle/clasp by wrapping gold filled wire - so you will need no experience with hot connections to complete this project.

Posted by Maire Loughran

When I was writing my article about the Vera Wang's Spring 2008 jewelry collection I trolled around on Amazon for a picture to accompany the article.

The Vera Wang jewelry picture I uploaded totally reminded me of David Yurman and I could just imagine the conversation at Vera Wang regarding what design styles present in this pendant and necklace needed to be changed in order to avoid a law suit with Yurman. From what I read in the trades Yurman keeps his legal team occupied full time fighting design knock offs.

Interestingly enough about a week later I read an article in the February 2008 edition of W magazine on the topic of clothing designers maybe getting too much inspiration from their fellow designers. It does seem that once a trend is established for a season, all the designers show variations of the theme. But, is that a bad thing - how close is too close when it comes to replicating design ideas?

Wang was quoted as saying, "Nothing has never been done before ... we're still working within a certain structure."

I agree - the use of untraditional materials in jewelry designs is just about the only way to truly get a new spin on the old designs.

Posted by Maire Loughran

My latest article discussed combining gemstones with garment colors. Don't forget - brown loves pink. A rich chocolate brown top or dress will look stunning with pink quartz or pink tourmaline.

Quick facts about these two gemstones: pink quartz is relatively inexpensive and is shown in jewelry in both opaque and translucent form. Pink tourmaline, while a semi-precious gemstone, is much more expensive.

Some other suggested combinations:

• Dior is showing polka dots. Peridot looks good with either the black/white or white/black combination.
• Stella McCartney, Yves St Laurent and Lanvin are showing dresses in various hues of blue from navy to periwinkle. Dress up blue by wearing it with black. A nice inexpensive option is black onyx. Just remember, according to myth, black onyx is a protective gemstone. However it is bad luck for the recipient if given black onyx as a gift. So, buy your own black onyx earrings or necklace!

Posted by Maire Loughran

I have yet to see 27 Dresses but as I was trolling my favorite jewelry websites last night I found that Ice.com is retailing a wide selection of the jewelry worn in that movie.

I checked it out and there are some really nice pieces of jewelry for sale. I would imagine any one of these would make really nice Valentine's Day presents for that special person on your list.

My favorite was the gold over leather bangle bracelet with sterling silver and cultured pearl terminators. It totally reminded me of David Yurman's signature bracelet style. The bracelet is prices at $225 or 5 payments of $45 each.

They are also sponsoring a give-a-away to win the 1 carat diamond set in 14K white gold engagement ring shown in that movie. The ring has a value of $4,000. Plus, the runners up can win heart shaped lockets or pearl and diamond earrings. Check out the link in this paragraph for more details on how to enter and win. Good luck!

Posted by Maire Loughran

The locket shown as the image in my latest article about Spring 2008 necklaces looks almost identical to a 14K locket and chain that I received as a Valentine's Day present a few years ago from my husband.

I've received such exciting presents as scales and household appliances in tha past, so I decided to leave nothing to chance. I circled an ad in the local newspaper for the locket and put it post it note on it saying that it would look nice with a heart cobra chain.

Well, he took the hint and loaded our son in the car and drove to the mall to buy both the locket and the chain. He even found a small picture of himself and our son and put them in the locket for me.

Combined total of the gift back then was probably about $200. However, it is one of my most cherished pieces of jewelry. Especially in light of the fact that my husband died a year later. It still brings a smile to my face when I remember how the purchase played out.

Hint to men - most women really love a gesture such as that at Valentine's Day.