Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

The birthstone for April is the diamond. The diamond is by far the most popular and desired gemstone in the world. It is regarded as the ultimate symbol of love and fidelity. Because diamond jewelry is so common, I am bringing you a selection of my favorite diamond pieces that I’ve seen in the past few months. These designs are fresh and new like the spring days of April but promise to be enduring keepsakes.

This 1/3 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Ring By Dalumi is amazing! For just $495, this designer ring beautifully combines the icy fire of diamonds with the cool gleam of white gold. Glamorous diamonds sparkle amid a gracefully swooping cutout ring design. It makes a perfect right hand or cocktail ring look.

At just $175, you can’t beat the value of this 1/10 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Heart Pendant and Chain. This exquisitely crafted pendant shimmers with the gleam of gorgeous white gold. Lustrous white gold is beautifully wrought in a graceful stylized heart design, accented with dazzling diamonds, and is suspended from a delicate white gold chain.

For all of the yellow gold lovers out there, this 3 Carat Diamond 14K Gold Bracelet is a perfect birthday gift! The smooth soft swirls of 14k yellow gold embrace each and every sparkling diamond in this lovely and traditional tennis bracelet. Total diamond weight is 3.00 carats. It’s an extraordinary value on sale at just $899 – marked down from $1,295!

March is almost over, so I had to hurry and show you this beautiful aquamarine ring. A large aquamarine shines from a classic white gold setting, flanked by six diamond chips for extra sparkle. Aquamarine is a variety of beryl, named from the Latin “aqua marina,” “water of the sea,” and its beautiful clear blue color makes it easy to see why. Medieval thinkers considered aquamarine crystals to be a defense against poison, and sailors told that the lower, fishlike portion of a mermaid’s body was made from the same gem – but don’t worry, our aquamarine is guaranteed 100% mermaid safe! Own a shining piece of the sea today for only $225.

Dear Leslie,Why do pearls come in so many different colors?Morgan in North Carolina

The main reason pearls come in so many different colors is because they come from slightly different species of animals. All pearls come from a bivalve, such as an oyster or mussel, but several different species and subspecies produce jewelry-quality pearls. Other factors that may effect color are the environmental conditions around the animal, its general health, or even the season. Expert pearlers in Scotland are able to tell which Highland river a pearl came from simply by looking at the color! Jewelry technology has also advanced to the point where pearls may be dyed, so that a jeweler can provide the look he wants for less than a king’s ransom. For example, here’s a striking red and white pearl bracelet and necklace set. It’s especially impressive to me because the dying process has not affected the lustrousness of the pearl – they remain “pearly” while sporting a striking new color. Each piece also comes with a cute heart-shaped bar clasp. Show your friends their first red pearls for only $75.

Dear Leslie,I always thought diamonds were clear, but recently I’ve been seeing jewelry featuring diamonds in various colors. What gives?Lindsey in San Francisco

Diamonds can appear in many colors – pink, purple, yellow, brown, blue and even black! The colors result from chemical impurities: clear diamonds are pure carbon, but in some cases other chemicals take the place of some carbon atoms and change how the diamond reflects light. There are also several chemical processes that can add color to diamonds. Generally, in the past, clear diamonds were the most prized, but jewelers today are more and more realizing the use of some of the other beautiful colors diamonds can occur in. For example, here’s a beautiful blue and white diamond ring. I absolutely love this look. Two matches rows of blue and white diamonds really sparkle in this unusual white gold setting. Add some color to your diamond collection for only $295.

Dear Leslie,I don’t think I’ve ever seen jewelry in a metal other than gold, silver, or platinum. Do jewelers ever use other materials?

Dear Nora,

Gold and silver are, of course, the classic metals for jewelry, both because they’re abundant enough that we have a sufficient amount to make jewelry from them and because of their beauty. Occasionally, however, jewelers will use other metals to create a specific look. For example, this semi-eternity band of chocolate diamonds in white gold contains black rhodium accents. Rhodium is very rare, and the most precious of all the metals. It is used in jewelry alloys because it is quite lustrous and very resistant to tarnishing, as well as being an unusual and attractive metal. Here, its darkness allows the paler chocolate diamonds to shine through, while its luster adds even more sparkle to the ring. Own your own piece of exotic rhodium today for only $195.

We were talking about unusual stones the other day, and it reminded me of one of my favorite stones that I don’t see very often anymore. Coral is such a beautiful, strong red – I can’t imagine why more jewelers aren’t using it these days. Our loss can be your gain, however – you can be one of the few women in your set with a great piece of coral jewelry and be the envy of your friends. Coral is used to its full effect in these lovely dangle earrings. Pieces of polished coral alternate with pearls in a 14 carat gold setting. Bring a piece of the sea to your jewelry box today for only $85.

This spring add a new twist to your jewelry wardrobe – a gold twist! These gorgeous, artisan-inspired 14K gold and sterling silver earrings gleam with the contrasting tones of two precious metals. They’re on sale right now for just $39 – marked down from $75! Lustrous sterling silver is exquisitely crafted into a handsomely sculpted design and enlivened with touches of warm, glistening twists of yellow gold.

When I saw this ring, I thought, “Oh my! Spring!” This is a lovely piece if I have ever seen one! This 1 1/3 carat Mother of Pearl, blue topaz, and peridot ring in 14K yellow gold is the quintessential ring for spring! Grassy green peridots, azure blue topaz and cultured freshwater pearls bring vivid color and dramatic sparkle to this gorgeously designed ring. The pastel hued stones are set in a setting of gleaming 14K yellow gold. A very unique look for anyday – especially in spring!

Dear Leslie,I’m looking for some new jewelry to wear during the spring and summer party season. Have you seen any good in-season cocktail rings?

Dear Kathryn,

There’s no better accessory for a party outfit than a good cocktail ring. A truly classy cocktail ring is a great conversation starter and ca bring together your entire look. Here’s one of my new favorites for this season: a 9 1/2 carat amethyst, ruby, and diamond cocktail ring. The rubies ring the large (8 1/2 carat!) with evenly spaced diamond accents. Buy it today for yourself or a friend for only $395 and be the talk of your next do.

Dear Leslie,I’m always looking for new and unusual stones in jewelry. What pretty, uncommon stones have you noticed recently?

Dear Meg,

I’m glad you wrote in, because I just found a very creative and unusual necklace I wanted to share with my readers. This fourteen-karat gold blue topaz pendant features a border of deep grey polished granite – a stone very seldom used in jewelry, but one that adds a look of mystery to this piece. Be the only woman you know to own such a rare piece today for only $95.

Earth Day is approaching. Spring has sprung in many places. Mother’s Day is around the corner. I am feeling inspired by all of these events. Today I was feeling particularly “earthy” and wore some jewelry pieces that really expressed my connection with the planet. If you’re looking to get in touch with Mother Nature this spring, you should check out this lovely Irish Rose Red Agate Sterling Silver Pendant and Chain. This pendant is so sweet. It reminds me of jewelry my grandmother had. This piece definitely has timeless appeal. It’s available at a great price too – just $85. Agate is the most common variety of chalcedony which is a form of quartz. In this pendant, a large oval red agate is intricately carved with quartz to create a floral motif. Crafted in sterling silver and suspended on a snake chain it makes a very lovely look.

Dear Leslie,

Sandra, Nashville

For men, jewelry that is modern and sleek is always in style. You’ll want to consider tough metals and less intricate designs because if your husband is like mine, he won’t take off his ring before his hands get dirty. That means that he’ll appreciate a ring that is easy to clean.

This 1/6 carat diamond ring in 14K white gold is a perfect ring for any man. Simple and unique, this men’s ring features three brilliant white diamonds. It’s crafted from gleaming 14k white gold – timeless in nature, yet contemporary in design. It’s a sleek, comfort-fit ring he’ll treasure forever.

Here’s a fresh gift idea for Easter and the beginning of spring – this delicate starburst pendant. The clean design and contrasting two-tone metalwork call to mind the innovative, distinctive space-age designs of the 1950s, and the diamond accent adds a touch of extra sparkle. This is a great piece to wow guests with at your next dinner party – and at $195, you’ll have plenty of money left over to serve them a delicious supper.

Woops! I did it again! I was so caught up in having fun on St. Patrick’s Day that I forgot to share with you one of my favorite rings that always reminds me of this spring-time holiday. Take a gander at this lovely 2/5 carat emerald and diamond ring in 14K yellow gold. It’s totally affordable at just $175 and captures this essence of the holiday with the shamrock shape. Brilliant green emeralds and diamonds sparkle together from an elegantly simple setting of lustrous yellow gold. It’s stylish, simple and would make a perfect gift this spring! It might just bring a bit of good luck too!

I just wanted to show you this clever, classy little pendant. Pure black onyx shines behind open yellow gold metalwork, suspended from a slender gold chain. This piece has the an unusual look that recalls Art Deco without looking old-fashioned or dated, and the clean lines of the gold and black stone make this necklace easy to match to a variety of outfits. Wear it to you next event for only $125.

Dear Leslie,I’d love to get a unique piece of designer jewelry. So much of what I see in the stores at the mall seems so “been there, done that”. I am ready for something new and exciting. However, I can’t spend too much. Can you help me find a unique piece that has some personality?

For example take this lovely 7/8 carat pink sapphire, diamond and cultured pearl pendant in 14K white gold by the designer Michiko. This unique piece has a bargain basement price of just $195. It features pink sapphires that lend delicate color to this glamorous pendant. You’ll be hard pressed to find an item this unique at the mall for this low price!

For those of you with an Aries in your life , it’s time to get on the ball or online and order their birthday present. Aries is the sign of people born between March 21 and April 19. If your favorite Aries doesn’t already have a zodiac charm, this 14K White Gold Diamond Aries Pendant and Chain is the perfect thing! It’s only $150 and is beautifully crafted polished white gold pendant highlighted with a dazzling diamond set in the traditional Aries zodiac glyph. It’s a meaningful and hip way to say, “I love you.”

Dear Leslie,I’d like to get my wife something just to brighten her day. I don’t want to spend a lot of money. However, I want to get something that’s quality and something that she’ll actually wear. Please help!

A “just because” gift is a wonderful way to show anyone how much you love them. We’ve probably come to expect gifts at the holidays and at birthday time. A “just because” gift can be really meaningful because it’s unexpected and genuinely comes from the heart.

These 1/4 carat diamond 14K white gold earrings are sweet and at just $125 are the perfect price for an “anytime” gift. These earrings feature six round brilliant diamonds beautifully set in a delicate white gold flower motif. It’s a lovely look because the dazzling diamonds and cool white gold go so well together. These are bound to become an instant favorite!

Friends, I can’t say enough about this beautiful 1 1/4 carat peridot, tsavorite, and black rhodium 14K white gold pendant. Maybe I am partial to it because my birthstone is peridot. Maybe I like it because it’s getting close to St. Patrick’s Day. Maybe it’s because I have spring fever and things are finally getting green around my house! Whatever the case may be, I just couldn’t pass up sharing with you this beauty!

This pendant is modern but gives a nod to the past. It’s superbly crafted, chic, and elegant. The pendant features a glistening, grassy green peridot, surrounded by brilliant tsavorite stones with black rhodium detailing. Set in 14k white gold, this lovely piece is accompanied by a delicate gold chain.

The birthstone for March is a lovely Spring colored gem called aquamarine. Aquamarine is a symbol of youth, hope, and good health. The name for this gem comes from the Latin term for seawater – the stone was thought to help those at sea. The color of the aquamarine goes really well with fashions featuring pastel colors. It’s a great gemstone for Spring!

A wonderful way to celebrate a March birthday – yours or that of someone else – is with these lovely aquamarine and diamond earrings set in 14K white gold. In these earrings, delicate blue green hued emerald-cut aquamarines are prong set in white gold and accented with trios of diamonds. It’s a great look for everyday wear but can also be a dramatic accent for a night on the town.