Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Purple is one of my favorite colors. I simply love the deep luxurious tones of amethyst. The elegance of this emerald cut amethyst is truly spectacular in this ring with diamonds and set in 14K yellow gold. The setting is rich with lots of yellow gold. This ring is definitely a looker!

A stunning combination of amethyst, blue topaz, and 14K white gold shines in this ring. For just $189, this spectacular piece can be yours! It also would make a perfect birthday or holiday gift!

Dear Leslie,
On the Jewish High Holidays, the goal is to look nice without being ostentatious, and there’s a tradition to not wear gold and to wear a lot of white. Any ideas for me?
Rachel in Los Angeles

Dear Rachel,

Whatever the occasion, you can find some excellent modest jewelry that will look conservative and beautiful at the same time. This diamond and white gold Star of David pendant is both stunning and understated and will work both as a High Holiday piece and as an asset to your collection.
In a different vein, try going for more delicate options– another gorgeous and subtle choice is this cultured freshwater pearl necklace with Swarovski crystals, which will go well with your white holiday garb.
Finally, the right bracelet can make any outfit work. This sterling silver blue Chalcedony bracelet epitomizes tasteful elegance and holiday reverence. And at just $75, it’s modestly priced as well.

Dear Leslie,
What are the latest trends in gemstone cuts? I am considering buying some new pieces of jewelry and just want to know what’s new.
Adrienne in New Jersey

More than 75% of diamonds sold are round cut stones. However these are mainly used in solitaire settings. Square cut stones like the princess cut are rising in popularity. These cuts offer lots of sparkle and originality. This trend is beautifully expressed in this 1/2 carat diamond 14K white gold bridal engagement ring. I love this setting with channel-set round accent diamonds.

The stylish look of square cut diamonds really gleams in this 1/2 carat princess and baguette diamond band in 14K white gold. Sold as an anniversary band, I think that this ring will make a fabulous accessory for even single gals. It’s an elegant, modern piece but with classic touches. Plus at just $595, it’s a great gift idea!

Dear Leslie,
I am looking for a gift for my girlfriend. Things between us aren’t “serious” but I do care for her and want to get something special. The trouble is that I am a student and don’t have a lot of money to spend. Do you have suggestions for inexpensive but meaningful jewelry gifts?
Ron in Texas

Beautiful jewelry sets are a wonderful gift for your sweetheart or any special woman in your life. They are a convenient way for to accessorize any outfit. Knowing that jewelry sets should go with any clothing style, jewelry designers create styles that are very flexible. This sterling silver heart pendant and earrings set with diamond accents is a perfect gift for your girlfriend. The diamonds dazzle but the modern and carefree design keeps this set from feeling too serious. Plus at just $65, this combo is perfect for a student’s budget!

Another beautiful option for a gift on a student’s budget is this sweet sterling silver double heart pendant and earring set. These pieces are perfect for everyday wear and at just $35, they are a steal! The hearts within a heart motif is a precious design that any woman will appreciate. It’s a great holiday gift idea as well!

Dear Leslie,
I’m going to a friend’s art opening at a rather avant-garde gallery and am in desperate need of some interesting jewelry to wear. My tastes are very traditional, but I don’t want to look “square” at this artsy event. The problem is finding something that is unique but that fits enough with my taste that I’ll actually wear it again. Please help!
Julie in Detroit

Dear Julie,

Finding something artsy yet elegant is an easier task than you may imagine. A simple search brought up these great results:
This Circle of Love necklace with black crystals is a classic and understated option that is nonetheless eye-catching and attractive. Pair it with these artistic white and black diamond earrings and wear with deep blues or purples to complete the look.

For a more colorful alternative along the same lines, try this peridot and green resin 14K white gold pendant , that is an unusual yet clean, elegant look.

It’s always great to have a reason to add variety to your collection. Don’t be afraid to try something different and find a real balance between your classic tastes and a more unique style.

Dear Leslie,
I’m a big fan of pearl necklaces and earrings. I think that pearls always look classically feminine and elegant, and always stand out. My daughter’s wedding is coming up and I’d like to find pearls that are something extra-special, even a bit unusual, for this event. What do you think?
Katherine in New Jersey

Dear Katherine,

Congratulations on your daughter’s wedding! In addition to this being her big day, you’re absolutely right that this is a great opportunity for you, as the Mother of the Bride, to find something extraordinary. You neglected to mention the wedding’s color scheme, but I tried my best and found some great pieces for you. Each has its own distinctive style and should point you in a good direction for what you’re looking for.

This cultured freshwater rice pearl necklace with blue topaz is a dazzling yet very feminine look that takes the classic string of pearls to the next level. In the same vein, but slightly “funkier”, take a look at this double-row cultured freshwater 18-inch pearl necklace with peridot beads, which may fit better with your outfit in terms of look and length.

For a bolder option, you have an excellent choice in this mother of pearl, crystal and iridescent resin bead necklace. Be careful: this unique and unforgettable piece poses the danger of more attention being paid to your outfit than to the bride’s!

Finally, now for something completely different. I couldn’t take my eyes off of this fabulous
18″ cultured baroque black Tahitian cultured pearl necklace. Talk about beautiful, unique, and eye-catching to boot! While unusual in color and shape, it may actually provide the best option here for an elegant evening affair.

No matter which pearls you end up going with, have a wonderful time at the wedding and congratulations again!

Dear Leslie,
Do you have any suggestions for jewelry that will go well with autumn colors?
Lisa in Milwaukee

Dear Lisa,

The coming change of seasons is a great time to look for new jewelry that will compliment the vibrant colors around you. Traditional choices in bright autumn hues and strong neutrals can be challenging to find. The trick is to select pieces that will create a beautiful accent to any outfit, in any season.

These carnelian drop sterling silver earrings are a youthful and fun choice that can keep a hint of summer with your fall wardrobe. Retailing at just $40.00, they’re also an inexpensive way to ease into the new season.

Another wonderful and elegant choice is this smokey quartz and diamond pendant, an unusual eye-catcher that is sure to add flair with its depth and unique beauty.
For a classic choice that is the epitome of fall elegance, be sure to check out the 12-carat garnet and yellow gold tennis bracelet below. This is a more traditional option that gives some wonderful some autumn color to your look.

Remember–don’t be scared of accenting with bold color in autumn, have fun with it!

Dear Leslie,
I’ve been shopping online for a special pendant, but I’ve not had much luck. Do you have any suggestions for something unique?
Olivia in Kentucky

Some jewelry designs are classic and will never go out of style. There is definitely a place in every collection for these tradiational pieces. However, sometimes you want to wear a special, eye catching piece that will set you apart. With a touch of whimsy, this 1/2 carat diamond and 1/4 carat sapphire pendant in 14K white gold is a stunning work of art. At just $495, you get a fashionable piece of jewelry that dazzles with diamonds and deep azure sapphires.

Another knock out is this 1/4 carat multi sapphire and diamond circle pendant in 14K yellow gold. This pendant captures the circle motif that is so popular right now. This piece features circles studded with diamonds and unique colored gemstones. The gem color combination means that this design will be able add its stylish sparkle to a wide variety of outfits.

Rosh HaShana is the beginning of the Jewish New Year. It falls sometime each year during September or October. Rosh HaShana is both a time of rememberance and looking forward to a sweet new year. Apples and honey are symbols of Rosh HaShana and lend their natural sweetness to the celebrations. Rosh HaShana can also be a time of symbolic gift giving.

You can celebrate the gifts of nature with this lovely sterling silver cultured pink freshwater pearl necklace. For only $40, this necklace is a unique twist on the classic pearl necklace. This soft and feminine look is a wonderful gift idea for a wife or mother.

The apple green hue of this stunning 7/8 carat peridot and diamond pendant in 14K white gold is amazing. Perfectly reflecting the focus on beauty at Rosh HaShana, this pendant is versatile enough to wear any time of year.

Dear Leslie,
I love my chandelier earrings and I am not ready to give them up. Can you tell me though, what is the next big trend in earrings?
Emma in Columbus

Chandelier earrings have really spiced up jewelry fashions in recent years. It was good to remind women that earrings can really be useful in making a statement. Chandelier earrings begin with a single point on the ear and fanning out as they approach the neck. These dangling beauties have been all the rage in Hollywood but there is definitely a move toward a more streamlined look. I would call this new look stiletto. Just like the stileto high heel, this new trend in earrings is more narrow that the traditional chandelier earring. It creates a more verticle line and is sleek and modern. However, the stilleto look retains the sparkle, dangle, and swing that we love in chandelier earrings!

A perfect example of this stiletto look are these lovely multi-gemstone sterling silver floral earrings. For just $65 you can add a full spectrum of color to any outfit. They are feminine and reflect the new more slender styling in earrings without being too cold and severe.

These sterling silver drop earrings are just $25 and will help you bring your jewelry wardrobe up-to-date. The hammered, coin-shaped disks of beautiful sterling silver dangle from drop frames. They are very modern and chic.

Finally these cubic zirconia and sterling silver drop earrings give you a ton of sparkle and bling without breaking the bank! They are sleek and slender, embracing the latest trend in earring design. Chandelier earrings tend to go wide, while these new styles drop directly down in a dazzling waterfall of gems.

The birthstone for September is sapphire. While many people think of the popular cornflower blue color when they thing of sapphires, but these gems are available in many colors. Sapphire is thought to help the wearer have clarity and even predict the future. This gem is associated with peace and happiness.

A beautiful way to enjoy sapphires is with this elegant 1 carat sapphire and diamond 14K white gold criss cross ring. At just $250 this ring features slender circles of sapphires and diamonds that intersect for an amazing look.

A more romantic spin on the traditional sapphire earring is this pair of 14K white gold sapphire and 1/10 carat diamond earrings. A real bargain at just $125, these earrings make a wonderful gift for your September sweetheart with their trio of sapphires.

Virgo is the sixth sign of the Zodiac and associated with purity and service. Individuals born under this sign are thought to have a diligent, analytical, self-sufficient, controlled, orderly, modest, and intellectual character, but one which is also prone to fussiness, perfectionism, harsh criticism, coldness, and hypochondria. Cough! Cough!

You’re in good compant though because Michael Jackson, Mother Teresa, Richard Gere, Sophia Loren, Lauren Bacall, and Greta Garbo are all Virgos.

You can display your intelligent, adaptable nature with this traditional zodiac glyph beautifully rendered as a white gold pendant studded with dazzling diamonds.

Another beautiful option is this 14K white gold pendant with a dazzling diamond accent for $115. It’s an elegant way to express yourself.

Dear Leslie,
I teach a yoga class as a part-time job. I come from my day job and I am often in a rush to get to my class. Sometimes I forget to take out my earrings and loose focus in the middle of the class when I realize that they’re still in. I want my students to focus on the poses and my instruction instead of my earrings. Do you have any suggestions for earrings that will take me from my office to the yoga studio?
Sandra in Madison

The reason I workout is to look good – and I want to look good doing it too! Wearing jewelry while working out can be dangerous though and you need to be careful with what you wear to the gym. Small, simple earrings that don’t dangle are a good choice. I’ve picked out a few that will look great for the office and that you can feel confident wearing at the gym or studio too.

These 14K gold knot earrings are timeless and perfect for any occasion. The yellow gold is expertly crafted into a stylish knot that will look great with sweats or anything else for that matter. They’re also a sure-fire gift and priced right at just $175.

To add a little color to your workout, these 3 1/5 carat blue jade, red agate and green jade earrings in 14K white gold are a perfect choice. No matter what color you wear to your workout, these earrings will coordinate. They are a safe size and will rest close to your ear. Plus jade is thought to bring the wearer engergy and the red agate is supposed to provide balance – making this pair of earrings perfect for yoga or any other type of physical exercise.

Dear Leslie,
What are the trends in jewelry for this fall? I am looking to add some warm fall tones to my outfits.
Rochelle in Illinois

Now that the kids are back in school, the crisp days of fall are around the corner. This refreshing change in the weather can be celebrated in your accessories. Picking accessories with a touch of fall shades in browns, oranges, and reds is a beautiful way to add color to your wardrobe.

Perfect for fall, this 1/2 carat brown diamond and 1/8 carat white diamond 14K white gold ring adds a warm brown tone in a fascinating way. Colored diamonds have become extremely popular in recent years and this $395 ring is a great way to get in on the trend. The brown and white combo looks great with the earth tones of fall – it just screams J. Crew style!

The touch of orange sapphire in these dramatic 1/2 carat diamond and orange sapphire earrings is the perfect way to add an elegant dash of fall color. The bubbly circles of fiamonds are perfect for adding a bit of fun to our fall days. Bright orange sapphires are a unique way to add fall color to your outfits.

Dear Leslie,
I love hoop earrings abut I am tired of the ones I have in my jewelry collection. Do you have any suggestions for hoops that will spice up my outfits?
Veronica in New York

Hoop earrings are wonderful because they work with so many different kinds of outfits. Take a basic silver hoop and you can use it to dress up or down, rock n’ roll or sporty. Hoops earrings are a great gift choice because they’re so versatile. Even if we have wonderful pieces in our jewelry collection, seeing the same thing every day can get boring. So it’s great to mix things up every once in a while with fresh accessories!

On sale right now for just $150, these 1/4 carat diamond 14K white gold hoops are the perfect way to add spice and sparkle to your wardrobe. These hoops are crafted so that you see both rows of diamonds when viewed from the front. It’s a great way to maximize the beauty of these amazing earrings.

To add a touch of color to any outfit, try these blue topaz, pink tourmaline and diamond earrings in 14K white gold. The pink and blue gems are feminine and the diamonds add plenty of sparkle. Perfect for a tank top or office attire, these hoop earrings will become a favorite in no time!

In the 80s everyone was wearing jelly bracelets and some hipsters have brought them back. Yes, it’s retro hip to wear rubber bracelets again. Rubber has a definite modern feel and will give any outfit a rock n’ roll punch. But there’s no need to limit yourself to jelly bracelets. This sterling silver black rubber necklace for $50 shows how you can take rubber jewelry to a new level. If your style is sleek and modern this necklace is for you.

Taking the rubber bracelet into the 21st century is easy with this stainless steel rubber bangle. For $50 this bold and striking bangle will go with any outfit. It’s a nod to the retro trend but styled for the future.

Dear Leslie,
My wife and I have been have a lot of fun in our marriage lately and I’d like to get her a gift “just because”. I’d like to get her a piece of jewelry but I am clueless when it comes to these things. Can you help me, please?!
Robert in Oklahoma

No need to wait for an anniversary, a birthday, or a holiday to buy your wife a special gift. I think that a gift “just because” may even be more meaningful than one that is expected. It’s very thoughtful and your wife will really appreciate it.

This 1/2 carat graduated diamond 14K white gold drop shaped pendant with chain is simply an amazing piece of jewelry. In previous posts, I’ve mentioned how a diamond circle pendant is all the rage in Hollywood. This teardrop is the latest twist on that look. Diamonds are classic and this pendant will go with any of your wife’s outfits. It’s a sure-fire hit!

This emerald and diamond vermeil bracelet is a wonderful way to show your wife how much you care. The diamond studded hearts surrounding beautiful emeralds in this bracelet are the perfect way to express your appreciation and gratitude. This bracelet is perfect for a budget too at just $75!

Bargain priced at just $20, these sterling silver hoop earrings are the perfect “anytime” gift for your wife. Silver hoop earrings are very versatile. You wife will wear them all the time – to dinner or to run around doing all those jobs many wives do. At $20, you can afford flowers and a night out along with these earrings!