Judith Ripka Green Quartz and Diamond Earrings

Rough Diamond and Malachite Green Bracelet

When selecting jewelry to honor Saint Patrick’s day, we remember that Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle.   Emeralds are one of the most gorgeous gemstones; the vivid, deep green color is striking and reminiscent of the corresponding brilliant green of the Irish hillsides.  When selecting jewelry for the holiday, the emerald is the first gemstone to come to mind but, because of its rarity and beauty, natural emeralds are often very pricey. There are many other gemstones that occur naturally in shades of green; including peridot, lime quartz, green amethyst, jade, and olive quartz.  These gemstones differ in their rarity and value and are wonderful alternatives when looking to purchase green gemstone jewelry.  The shade of green for some stones however, is not always indicative of Ireland. Perhaps the best representatives of the emerald-esque color are green quartz and malachite.   Both of these stones are considered to be semi-precious and are generally very affordable.  Another option is selecting created emeralds.  These man-made versions were formed by giving Mother Nature an assist in the emerald creating process and are less expensive than the natural version.  So, wear the green, it not only provides a splash of cheerful color, it’s lucky.

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Diamond Heart Promise Ring

Diamond Double Heart Promise Ring

What are promise rings?  When I was in college I knew girls who received promise rings from their boyfriends but was never quite sure exactly what a promise ring was.  Well, a promise ring is basically a pre-engagement ring.  In the past, men who were unable to marry for some reason, would give their girlfriends a promise ring as a token to pledge their commitment without actually becoming officially engaged.  Generally, the ring was thought to “hold” the committed relationship until the man was either financially ready to support a family or in times of war, was safely back home.  In modern times, a promise ring may be given when a relationship is serious, but there is still some question about taking the final step towards a lifelong vow.  Generally, promise rings are simpler and less expensive than engagement rings.  Often, they consist of small diamonds, and are frequently heart-shaped to signify love or are in a three-stone pattern to symbolize past, present, and future.    Promise rings may be crafted in gold, but are most often silver or a lesser valued metal.  Promise rings are sure to hold a special place in any woman’s heart and jewelry collection.

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Gregg Ruth Diamond Drop Earrings

Gregg Ruth Ruby and Diamond Drop Earrings

As a child of parents who owned a Pennsylvania jewelry store, Gregg Ruth’s interest in and love for fine jewelry developed naturally at an early age.  Deciding to follow in his parents footsteps, he opened his own store in Tennessee in 1977.  Ruth found that simply being a merchant wasn’t enough to satisfy him; so, along with his mother, Joyce, he ventured into importing high-end gold jewelry from Italy in 1981.  Still not content, Ruth moved to California a few years later and transitioned from importing fine gold jewelry to designing his own diamond jewelry.  Ruth’s creations were not only elegant, but also glamorous and innovative.  It didn’t take long for jewelry buying enthusiasts to take notice.  Today the Gregg Ruth Company employs 600 bench jewelers and produces 750 new styles each year.  With a strong focus on craftsmanship and detail, Ruth designs utilize unusual diamond cuts, fancy colored diamonds, and a patented setting technique to create distinctive, couture jewelry that is beautiful and timeless.

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SoulMate Mother and Daughter Pendants

Who do you consider to be your soul mate?  Most people think of their soul mate as their significant other, but a soul mate can have many variations.  A soul mate could be a family member such as a sister, brother or a child, or your best friend and of course your love interest.  The SoulMate diamond jewelry collection are a pair of diamonds that are a symbol to celebrate those unique relationships in your life.

The SoulMate Diamond Collection has many variations for soul mate relationships.  They offer Mother and Daughter heart pendant, heart key pendants, and birth of a child pendants.  These make perfect gifts.

Every pair of SoulMate diamonds originate from one natural rough diamond formed deep in the Earth, billions of years ago.  SoulMate diamonds come with a certificate of authenticity for each diamond in the pair.  Your diamonds are as authentic just like the two of you.

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Toboggan Charm

Ice Skate Charm

Watching the 2010 winter Olympics in Vancouver, Canada, is exciting and fun.  I know the athletes at this and past Olympics have enjoyed exchanging pins representing their native countries.  What other jewelry is there, though, that’s indicative of both the event and particular sports?  Charms are the best answer.  Whatever your favorite sporting event is, there is a charm to represent it and likewise, for favorite nations or teams.  Charms are generally seen as symbols which when worn collectively, represent events or things that are significant to the wearer.   Usually worn as a bracelet, charms may also be worn as pendants as part of a necklace.   One very nice thing about charms is that along with the large array of design, there is a corresponding array in price due to their availability in silver, various weights of gold, and other metals of varying value.

Skiing Charm

Canadian Flag Charm

While searching for charms related to the Vancouver Olympics, I was amazed at the range of sports represented.  Hockey, figure skating, speed skating, snowboarding, skiing and even curling were all represented.  Charms symbolizing Canada, the USA, France, Germany, etc., were also available.  So, whatever your passion, a charm bracelet is a wonderful way to commemorate a special moment in someone’s life or provide a snapshot collage of significant events over time.

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Gregg Ruth Diamond Ring 2 1/4ctw

Gregg Ruth Diamond Drop Earrings 3 1/4ctw

If you are looking for some luxury jewelry or starting a new jewelry collection check out the Gregg Ruth jewelry collection. Jewelry designer Gregg Ruth creates timeless and elegant jewelry that creates A Statement, An Attitude, A Lifestyle.  His timeless design and cutting edge craftsmanship is dedicated to both classic beauty and contemporary jewelry design.  Gregg Ruth is committed to using high-quality materials in his craftsmanship in ensure only the very best for his customers.   Ruth’s designs are sophisticated and incorporates unusual diamond cuts and natural fancy colored diamonds as well as precious color and diamond pieces.

Gregg Ruth’s love of jewelry began as a child with his family’s jewelry store in Pennsylvania.  He opened his own store in 1977 and today offers a large spectrum of exquisite jewelry.  He is now based out of Malibu, California and is defining a vision and synergy to diamond, gemstone and bridal collections of couture jewelry.

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Swarovski Gear Heart Flag Pin

Hidalgo American Flag Diamond Ring

Presidential jewelry to me is exemplified by flag pins.  Every candidate for the job over the last few decades, both elected and not, has proudly proclaimed his or her love of country by adorning his/her lapel with pins depicting  the red, white and blue.  The pin is seen as an overt statement that avows patriotism, loyalty, and pride in our nation and its history.   Generally, the flag pins chosen by presidents and candidates, are simple, straightforward renditions of the flag so as not to provide any grounds for controversy.  For those of us who love our country but want to wear jewelry that is a little more creative, there are many options  that are tasteful, imaginative and patriotic.  In addition to pins, patriotic jewelry can be found in the form of  rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings and watches.  Symbols may include stylized flags, but also may be stars and stripes or patterned red, white and blue designs.  Designs may be fashioned from an assortment of metals and may include gemstones, enamel, or cloisonne to provide the appropriate color.  Wearing patriotic jewelry for Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, the 4th of July, or for just when you want to, is always appropriate and fun.

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Everlon™ Diamond Knot Rope Pendant 1/7ct

The Everlon™ Diamond Pendant, the newest popular diamond jewelry has just been featured in the Los Angeles Times! The Everlon™ Jewelery Collection is a beautiful, timeless collection that represents the unbreakable bond of love.  Each piece in the collection has a Hercules knot design which symbolizes the strength of love.  You have a choice of rings, pendants, earrings and bracelets in this diamond jewelry collection. The Everlon™ Jewelry Collection makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift!

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Our Lady of Perpetual Help Medal

Saint Christopher Medal

With the New Orleans Saints winning the Superbowl in such inspirational fashion,  I wondered what connection the city of New Orleans had to Saints.   I was aware of the city’s French Catholic heritage so it didn’t take much of a leap to connect the dots to the concept of Patron Saints.   What are Patron Saints?   They are guardians over various activities, careers, countries, illnesses and causes.  Generally patron saints are named by the Pope but they can be named by others who have a specific interest in a limited, defined area.  Patron Saints may be angels, apostles, martyrs or individuals who brought profound change for good in a specific area, time or place.  Individuals call upon a specific Saint to help them in that Saint’s area of expertise, if you will, or ask the Saint to intervene on their behalf.

The official Patron Saint of New Orleans is Our Lady of Prompt Succor, also called Our Lady of Perpetual Help.  Our Lady is the Virgin Mary, and to the New Orleans faithful, praying to her has brought help to overwhelmed and shorthanded nuns, changed wind direction to prevent a great fire, and helped Andrew Jackson’s small force prevent the British from sacking the city with little loss of life.  Other well known Saints include Saint Michael, the angelic defender against evil; Saint Joseph, Jesus’ adoptive father, known as the protector of the church, fathers and social justice; and Saint Patrick, Ireland’s Patron Saint, guardian of engineers, and Shepard against snake attacks.  Saint’s medallions, medals and pendants are proclamations of personal faith as well as talismans meant to repel evils or bring about good in a variety of forms.  The faithful often choose to wear jewelry depicting the Saint they implore.  Most commonly worn is the Saint Christopher’s Medal.  Saint Christopher’s primary lot is said to protect travelers and prevent pestilence.  Ironically for natives from New Orleans, Christopher also protects against storms such as hurricanes.  Medallions, medals and pendants are available representing almost every Patron Saint and are usually jewelry etched in gold, silver or other metals, but also can be found as depictions in enamel or other materials.

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