Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Originally found in the outback of Australia, the lore and mystery of Opals goes back to the aborigines. It is reported in their legends that the creator came down to Earth on a rainbow, in order to bring the message of peace to all the humans. And at the very spot, where his foot touched the ground, the stones became alive and started sparkling in all the colours of the rainbow. That was the birth of the Opals.

The allure of Opals is due largely to its mesmerizing color play when held in different kinds of light, reflecting changing human emotion and mood. Opals are believed to be able to solve depressions and to help its wearer find the true and real love.

Opal is a relatively soft gemstone, and I recommend it be worn as earrings or a necklace rather than as a ring which is more likely to chip. I absolutely love the yellow gold and opal necklace seen above. I also adore the earrings shown to the left. They beautifully capture the fiery white glow that opals are famous for. At only $60 they make a perfect October gift for yourself, a friend or loved one.

Dear Leslie,
My wife and I are going to my Jewish Mother in Law’s house for the Jewish holidays this month, I would like to bring her a piece of Jewelry as a gift, can you recommend something that might be meaningful?
James in Norfolk, VA

James, why not get her a Star of David pendant? This ancient symbol of the Jewish people represents courage and stregth and would be a perfect gift for a strong Jewish mother. This chic yellow gold version is my favorite. Soft lines and diamonds combine for a great and classy look. Versatile enough for both holidays and daily wear, you really can’t go wrong. It sells for just$150, chain included.

If white gold is more her style, then try this version with luxurious diamonds for just $95

For something a little simpler than the two of those, try this yellow gold version, in a black enamel oval, or this classic version with a subtle distinction on the two triangles.

Happy Holidays!

Libra: September 23 – October 22

Libra is symbolized by the scales, and people born under this sign revere balance and harmony above all else. Libras are sociable and shine in social situations, where their gift of communication is an attraction to many. Libras also want to be liked, even loved, by those who cross their path, and it can be very hard to resist the Scales when they are at their most charming and magnetic selves. It’s not unusual for Libras to possess an easy grace and sense of style.

Get the Libra in your life something stylish this year with one of these chic zodiac pendants.

Get the Libran in your life something stylish this year with one of these chic zodiac pendants.

Dear Leslie,
My 20th wedding anniversary is this fall. Back when we were married, we didn’t have much money and I was never able to get my wife a proper engagement/wedding band. Our 20th anniversary is coming up, and perhaps now its time to make up for that. Can you help me find something nice?
Samuel in Michigan City, Indiana.

What a romantic idea. There are dozens of rings to chose from, depending on her style and your price range. After 20 years, get her diamonds. Symbolizing timelessness and a sense of forever-ness, a diamond anniversary band is the perfect way to say I still do.

Here are some rings that might be of interest to you.

1 carat diamond 14K white gold Princess Cut Anniversary Band, a knock out for $995	This 1 carat yellow gold option is equally stunning. Also $995, but has a 1/2 carat option for $325
This gorgeous 1/2 carat baguette ring shines from every direction for only$450	Or if you want to go all in, this stand-out 3 stone 1 1/2 carat ring is truly something that will get her heart fluttering

Dear Leslie,
I am getting married this fall and we are having a whole medieval fairy tale theme. I want to get my lovely bride a nice pair of earrings that will go for the occasion and that she can also wear thereafter.
Steven in Worcester MA

Steven,
What a lovely idea. Jewelry Designer William Schraft has a fantastic line that just might be perfect for you and your fiancee. Check out the following pieces.

Each piece has a strong and regal feeling to it, fit for a queen. Check out more William Schraft jewelry here and have a beautiful wedding!

The dramatic blue hues of sapphire make for a stunning September birthstone, marking the shift from Summer to Fall. Long values by priests and kings, who considered them symbols of wisdom and purity, it was actually a sapphire engagement ring, not a diamond, that Price Charles gave to Diana.

Sapphire actually exists in nearly every color except for red, (Red Sapphire then becomes known as ruby) but is most famous for its rich blue tones.

At a 9 on the Mohls scale (compared to Diamonds at 10) Sapphire is a very hard and sturdy gemstone and therefore perfect for daily wear.

Sapphires are also said to relax and clear the mind, as well as protecting its owner from fraud, envy and ill health.

See Ice.com’s Sapphire birthstone collection here, and check out other magnificent pieces of sapphire jewelry.

These 14k gold Sapphire earrings are dark as the night sky and just as dramatic. $195	This 1 3/8 carat Sapphire and Diamond necklace steals the show.
This Sapphire and Diamond ring would make a spectacular alternative to a traditional diamond engagement ring for couples wanting something a little different. $175	Luxurious and timeless, this Sapphire tennis bracelet is just waiting to become a family heirloom. $225

Dear Leslie,
I’m having a hard time finding Jewelry for my niece’s 8th birthday. I find a lot of cute things but I’m afraid most are too big and will fall off her little wrists. She’s quite petite. Can you point me in a good direction?
Esther in Los Angeles

Esther, your concern is a good one. When buying jewelry for children one needs to take into account their smaller size, but you also want to get something that can grow with them. Fortunately, there are many pieces from Ice.com designed with children in mind.
The classy sterling silver “angel” bracelet to the right is designed for children and adjustable up to 5 1/2 inches. It’s a piece that can stay with her for years to come.

For a different look, check out this adorable children’s link bracelet to the left. In sterling silver with the word “angel” and a dangling heart charm, it’s a popular look just like all the big girls are wearing.

If something with a little more color is what you had in mind, I suggest this children’s charm bracelet with pink and blue stars and fairy’s or this multi color, multi charm bracelet.

Dear Leslie,
My husband just got a new job and I want to get him something to say Congratulations! He already has a nice watch, can you help me think of something else?
Jenna in White Plains

How about a niece set of cuff links? They are a great men’s accessory which adds a little flair to an classy outfit. See this striking pair pictured to the right, for instance. Gleaming silver and white enamel in a strong geometric design, they and these (another variation on the theme) are both versatile enough for almost any outfit. They each cost $50

For something with a little color, check out these beautifully bright red enamel and sterling silver cuff links. They also come in blue, perfect for wear with a grey or navy suit, so pick the color that’s right for him. They each also cost $50.

If he’s in the kind of office where more subtlety will be appreciated then get these stunning sterling silver cuff links with cats eye. In a classic style, the cats eye will catch the light in just the right way to make him feel like a million bucks but for only $75.

For a final option, see this elegant black granite and sterling silver option for a completely reasonable $65.