Dear Leslie
I recently gasoline was spilled all over my hand and antique emerald ring what should I do to clean the ring and remove the gas smell?
Anne via email
Anne,
Emeralds are extremely sensitive so she should take it to a professional jeweler as soon as possible. The jeweler will probably have to remove the stone, clean it, and clean the ring mount separately. Be warned though, this is not an inexpensive process.
Dear Leslie,
I, unfortunately, didn’t take off my beautiful sterling silver rings when I went swimming and when I got out of the pool after an hour, my rings were very dull. Is there any way to salvage the rings? Will sterling silver polish correct the situation?
Kathy, via email.
Kathy, I wish I had better news for you. Unfortunately, there is not much that can be done to correct this damage. It would have to be buffed and then plated and then repolished, all of which is very expensive. Depending on the Jewelry, it might be a more cost efficient option to simply replace it.
Remember ladies, no jewelry in the pool! Especially silver.
How do I clean my Marcasite jewelry without removing the naturally dark areas and not harming the stones?
Pamela Valentine via email
Pamela,
Marcasite Jewelry should only be cleaned with a mild soap and water solution, and then wiped gently with a soft cloth. To keep the naturally dark areas, be sure to clean it gently. This type of cleaning solution will be fine on whatever stones the jewelry has.
If you’re like me, you probably got some gift cards this holiday. You can use Visa, American Express, and Master Card gift cards at any retailer that accepts those credit cards. Nowadays, that’s just about any place! Before those cards burn a hole in your wallet, take a while to check out some of the incredible post-holiday steals that are online! I found this 8 7/8 carat amethyst sterling silver ring, regularly priced at $125, on SALE for just $45! Check out some other 50% off deals where you can get twice as much for your money!
The birthstone for January is the beautiful garnet. This stone’s rich color symbolizes a light heart, loyalty, and enduring affection. The word garnet derived from the Latin word that means pomegranate. As you probably know, the pomegranate is a wonderful red fruit full of gem-like seeds that have been found to be very healthy!
If you or someone special in your life is celebrating a birthday in January, be sure to get them something featuring a garnet. This exquisite pair of garnet and marcasite sterling silver chandelier earrings is a perfect gift for a modern woman. The chandelier earring is a perfect accessory for an evening out or just about any special occasion. These earrings are an amazing deal at just $35!
2006 is coming to a close and I am excited about the possibilities for 2007! Thanks to all my wonderful readers for all your support and comments during 2006! I hope you all have a happy and healthy New Year! I am headed to a couple of parties this weekend and I can’t wait to show off some fabulous Christmas gifts. This year bought myself this incredible 1 3/4 carat green garnet, yellow sapphire, and diamond ring in 14K white and yellow gold! It makes a stunning right hand or cocktail ring. These colors are great for any time of the year because the array of gems accent every season. The two tone gold also makes this ring super versatile and I look forward to wearing it a lot. You can get it too for just $695 or 5 payments of $139.
In my previous post, I suggested that a watch would make a wonderful gift for a father on the go. Well, another great gift idea for dad are these classic sterling silver diamond cufflinks. These handsome cufflinks feature geometric designs and a single dazzling diamond solitaire on each. It’s a classic gift that any stylish father will enjoy for years to come.
Dear Leslie,
I have no idea what to get my husband for Christmas! Do you have any suggestions on what to get a busy father of two? He never wears ties and I am clueless about sports equipment!
Mary in Denver
A new watch is a great way to start your husband out for the new year! Plus he’ll have no more excuses for being late for dinner! Even if your hubby already has a watch, this handsome Bulova Men’s watch with a leather strap is a great way to add some spice to his wardrobe. He’ll appreciate the masculine styling and large number display. At just $112.50, this watch is also very budget friendly!
Dear Leslie,
Can I get a nice gold and silver necklace for about $500?
B.J., via email
Of course you can, but for your price range it’s better to go with yellow and white gold. If you have the funds, you’ll get the look you want for better quality that will last longer. Here are some ideas to get you started:
This two-tone gold ball necklace is a great choice,
as is this this two-tone gold geometric necklace 
.
Both are pretty whimsical and both are $450, so take your pick!
Yesterday I gave you a great suggestion if you wanted to be a little naughty this holiday. If you’d rather be nice, you should treat yourself or the one you love with these exceptional 9-10mm South Sea cultured pearl and diamond earrings in 14K white gold. At $1,995, these heirloom earrings are priced to become true gems in your jewelry collection. Featuring the dramatic luster of South Sea pearls (the most valuable of all pearls) and a halo of sparkling diamonds, these earrings crafted in a classic style that will complement any outfit. They’re perfect for the office, a night out, or any special occasion. Omega backs hold them securely but comfortably in place.
If you have been good all year, this is the right time for something naughty – to spoil yourself! Nothing could be more extravagant and elegant than this pair of fabulous 1 carat diamond and two tone gold chandelier earrings! These dazzling earrings are fashionable and exotic. Priced at just $1,495 these works of art are a steal! Reward yourself for being good all year and get these timeless beauties!
John wrote:
I just bought the 11 Carat Ruby Sterling Silver Bracelet with Diamond accents (last week, I have delivery of it now). I am wondering if there are any ruby earrings that might go with this.
First of all, great choice. To refresh the memory of those readers who may not have the entire Ice line memorized, this is the gorgeous piece John is talking about:
Now, in terms of ruby earrings, you have a couple of options. For a classic, understated look that will go great with the bracelet, try these one carat ruby and diamond earrings. They really speak for themselves in their elegance and beauty. 
For a more unique, whimsical look, depending on her tastes, try these ruby and diamond teardrop dangle earrings.
Hope that’s enough to get you started. Kudos to you for going the extra mile with your gift!
Duane Hughes wrote:
My mom (72) wants black pearls for Xmas. They look pricey (over $400) for a necklace. My budget is under $200. Any advice?
Fear not, Duane. I too am a huge fan of black pearls and am always looking for great finds. This description from Ice.com sums up the appeal:
Dusky and dramatic, black pearls are the perfect look for someone who craves opulence and intrigue. This elegant strand features round, deeply luminescent black cultured freshwater pearls for a striking, unforgettable look.
I couldn’t have said it better myself. Anyway, on to your query. A quick search revealed a couple of exquisite options well within your price range.
My favorite is this stunning 4-strand Cultured freshwater Black Pearl Necklace available for just $95!
I can’t believe that the year has gone by so quickly – but it has. There are just 10 days left before Christmas! Thank goodness for airplanes and FedEx because I still have some online shopping to do. If you’re still shopping like I am, don’t stress. Pour yourself some cider and cozy up to your warm laptop!
Any woman on your list will love this elegant and versatile sterling silver multigemstone necklace. It’s on sale right now too for an amazing $32.50! Hurry though because supplies are limited. This necklace feature the fresh sparkle of a rainbow of gemstones – garnet, citrine, amethyst, peridot, and blue topaz. All these wonderful colors means that you can pair this piece with just about anything in your closet with ease! Plus these stones are also birthstones making it a good birthday idea too!
Please forgive us, we’ve gotten in so many great holiday questions that we completely neglected to tell you about this month’s beautiful birthstone: Blue Topaz. The name “topaz” is derived from the Greek topazos, “to seek”, which is quite appropriate for this time of year, as December birthstones seek to find everything from peace of mind during the holidays to the perfect gifts for their loved ones. For your favorite seeker, check out this incredible blue topaz and diamond pendant, a stunning piece that will definitely wow the crowds at this year’s holiday festivities.
Another option for giving with less of a risk is to be more creative in your giving. Say you only have a budget of $250 for a gift for your special someone. You can go two routes. One, if you know your significant other likes amethyst, for example, you can invest the full $250 in a single piece, such as this exquisite diamond-amethyst ring. It’s a classic. It’ll last her ages. But what if she doesn’t like it?
So alternatively, you can mix it up and give her several pieces adding up to the same value, that are less of an investment/risk than the ring. A little digging brought up these three great pieces in no time:
Amethyst and Diamond Briolette Drop Earrings–$175
Sterling Silver Amethyst Bead Necklace–$45
Silver accent bracelet, guaranteed to go with anything–$30
Total–$250
Peace of mind in your gift-giving? Priceless.
Dear Leslie,
I thought I found the perfect piece of jewelry for my wife, but past experience has shown that I don’t always know for sure what her tastes are. While I’d love to surprise her with the beautiful, expensive necklace I found, I’m apprehensive that she won’t like it. Any suggestions?
Bill in Cleveland
Ah, a typical holiday conundrum: finding the right gift. We always try our best, but what if it’s just not received in quite the way we planned? It’s always a risk, and you have a couple of options.
One. I refer you to Ice.com’s Returns and Refunds policy. They make it really easy for you:
Ice.com is proud to offer return shipping at no cost to you! Please see details below.
We want you to be absolutely satisfied with your jewelry. Wear it. Enjoy it. Show it off. If within 60 days after receipt of your purchase you’re not completely satisfied, return it for a full refund of the purchase price or replace it – no questions asked. However all products should be returned in the original state they were received. Products which have been modified by another 3rd party jeweler or abused will not be accepted for refunds.
Refer to the site for more info. Don’t be afraid to go for it. Look at it this way–if she doesn’t like the piece, she has a “gift certificate” to find something better from Ice.com.
Dear Leslie,
Hanukkah is just around the corner and I’d like to get something for my daughter to celebrate. Do you have any ideas on a good gift for Hanukkah?
Sara in San Francisco
A wonderful way to celebrate Hanukkah is with this dazzling 1/10 carat diamond and 14K white gold chai pendant. Sparkling from a graceful rope chain, this pendant is a beautiful piece that can be enjoyed all year. The Hebrew letters in this pendant spell the word Chai, which is an expression of vitality and rejuvenation. At just $175, it’s a perfect gift for this special holiday.
There really is a Santa Claus! This lovely 4 carat diamond 14K white gold bracelet could be yours for free this Christmas! Just take a moment to enter the Winter Wonderland Sweepstakes. The diamond bracelet is a $4,400 value – and will be a great way to start the New Year! Good luck!
If you’re looking to spoil someone just a little bit this holiday season, you can make your money go far with this super deal. Sparkling 1 carat diamond hoop earrings in 14K white gold are a stylish and versatile gift for just $495. In these earrings, classic hoop designs are beautifully crafted from cool, gleaming white gold and studded with dazzling round brilliant diamonds. Guys, let me just assure you that any woman will find these earring in excellent taste. They’ll soon become one of her favorite pieces.
