Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

Dear Leslie, I’d like something new to add a splash of color to my summer wardrobe. These long hot days can have me dragging! Is there anything you can suggest that will help put some pep in my step?

This pair of 18K Gold over Sterling Silver Peridot Hoops by designer Andrea Barna is just the thing to add a touch or bright summer fun to these dog days of summer. Peridot is the birthstone for August, so now is the perfect time to wear them! These stunning earrings have an exotic, refreshing appeal. Crafted in 18k yellow gold over sterling silver, these luminous earrings feature peridot gems that dance with eye-catching movement.

Continuing with my series of colorful gems, today I am featuring green. Green is a versatile color for gems. Depending on the hue or richness of the gem, green gemstones can be a perfect accessory year-round. Bright colored greens are perfect for Spring and Summer while darker tones work well in Fall and Winter. Green is a great compliment to holiday reds.

Green gems include jade, green garnets, tourmaline, green quartz, malachite, and of course emerald.

This 3/4 Carat Emerald and Diamond 14K White Gold Multi Circle Pendant and chain is a great way to add rich green tones to any ensemble. At just $225, it’s totally affordable. Vibrant green emeralds give this delicate pendant glorious color and sparkle. The emeralds form delicate circle motifs accented by dazzling diamonds in a beautifully crafted setting of lustrous 14K white gold. A white gold chain completes the look.

This month I’m featuring a rainbow of colorful gems. Already I’ve written about red and orange gemstones. Today I’d like to share with you the beauty of yellow gems.

Yellow is a great color for Spring, Summer, and Fall. Yellow gems are also the perfect accessory to wear on a tropical cruise in the winter months. Citrine, yellow sapphire, and yellow quartz are three gems that will bring bright yellow color to your jewelry collection.

This 10 1/4 Carat Citrine and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring packs a bold yellow punch. The name citrine is derived from the French word for lemon. This fantastic ring showcases a cabochon citrine haloed by round citrines and accompanied by dazzling diamonds. All this beauty is crafted on a band of lustrous 18K yellow gold. This ring is the perfect way to add yellow to your wardrobe.

A wedding is a special time and brings together two families in a special way. Gifts at this time can be especially meaningful. We all know about gifts for the bride and groom, but it is a nice gesture to give gifts to other members of the wedding party. There are no hard and fast rules for this type of gift giving and it just depends on the emotional connections in your family. The mother of the bride has so much work to do in preparation for the wedding and a gift for her at this time would be a wonderful idea. A gift from the groom or the groom’s family would be thoughtful.

Mother of pearl would be perfect for the mother of the bride! A gift of these mother of pearl 14K yellow gold flower earrings is a great way to show your love and appreciation. The graceful curves are feminine and the blossoms of mother of pearl will go perfectly with a variety of outfits. They’re budget friendly too at just $75.

This freshwater cultured pearl 14K gold heart toggle bracelet is an elegant take on the classic pearl bracelet. The heart toggle is sweet and a wonderful way to remember the mother of the bride during the wedding celebrations. This bracelet is a bargain at just $75.

Many women wear “family” jewelry where the stones in the piece represent their children with their birthstones. I love this idea. This 13 carat multigemstone sterling silver oval pendant with chain is a wonderful complement to family jewelry pieces. This piece reminds me of a beautiful stained glass window and is offered at an amazing price of just $37.50! It’s on sale for a limited time so get shopping!

From a comment: Can you tell me the difference between platinum and rhodium? Thanks, Basha

Basha,
Platinum and rhodium are closely related, part of the same group on the periodic table, and rhodium is found in platinum ore when it is mined.

Rhodium, however, in unique in that it’s even more expensive than platinum – in fact, the most expensive of all the precious metals, which means it’s hard to come by solid rhodium jewelry. But it’s often used as an alloy, both with platinum jewelry and metals like white gold.

Hope that clears everything up for you.

The grass green shimmer of peridot is the birthstone for August. It’s a stone that is said to ward off evil and keep you from having nightmares. It’s a refreshing color for everyday but particularly well suited for pastels and earth tones.

You can bring the beautiful shade of peridot into your wardrobe with these peridot and diamond briolette drop earrings. These earrings will work with many other styles of jewelry – from beads to gold chains. I really like the way the warm yellow gold accents the fresh green color. These elegant earrings are just $175.

This stunning 4 3/4 carat cushion-cut peridot and diamond 14K white gold ring shows the strength of this stone’s color. It would be a wonderful accessory to a business suit or a cocktail party dress. The cushion cut adds depth and the diamonds provide sparkle and shine. Together they combine to make this ring a true work of art.

Dear Leslie,
My wife is turning 30 in a few weeks and I have no clue what to get her. I’d like to buy her something nice, but don’t even know where to begin. Help!
John in CA

Well, jewelry is always a wonderful gift for any birthday but especially appropriate for the big 3-0. Not knowing your wife’s personal style, I’ll give you some recommendations that any woman would love.

You can’t go wrong with a fabulous tennis bracelet for a birthday gift. This 1 1/6 carat 8 inch tennis bracelet in 10K yellow gold is exquisite. The highly polished gold bands in between the diamonds add a unique design feature to this particular bracelet. It’s a great gift at just $335.

If you’d rather get your wife earrings, these 1/4 carat diamond and 14K white gold round earrings are the way to go. They have a classic design that will allow her to wear them with just about anything. The graceful circles of diamonds remind me of flowers and are very feminine for just $295.

If you want to give your wife something extra special, you should surprise her with this incredible 1 carat graduating diamond circle pendant in 14K white gold. The circle pendant is all the rage in Hollywood right now and has been seen on all of the biggest stars. It’s a great way to wear diamonds and add sparkle because the circle really makes a big statement. This pendant comes with a 18 inch white gold chain that displays it perfectly. It is a birthday gift your wife will truly cherish.

Dear Leslie,
My wife is graduating from nursing school soon and I’d like to get her something to celebrate. Do you have any recommendations of things she can wear with her uniform?
Rob in Kansas

Nursing is one the toughest professions. These hard working people are really at the front lines of our healthcare system and are vital! The job of nursing is very demanding and often requires a special uniform. The type of nursing really impacts the kind of jewelry that can be worn. However, small earrings are a good choice. You don’t want anything big and dangly that might interfere with work or become a hazard. I’ve picked out a few that will be great for nurses or any profession that’s active and requires a special uniform.

These 1/4 carat diamond heart earrings in 14K white gold are perfect for nurses. The small hearts show how much you care and will bring a little bit of joy to patients. These diamond earrings are a romantic twist on the classic diamond stud. They are versatile and will look great with scrubs or an evening gown.

For just $125, these 8-8.5mm Akoya cultured pearl earrings in 14K yellow gold are perfect earrings for a hard working nurses. Pearls should be a part of any woman’s jewelry wardrobe. They are so versatile and classy. Pearl earrings are the perfect way to add an elegant touch to any uniform.

For a touch of feminine color these 1 1/4 carat Rose de France and diamond earrings in 14K white gold are a great choice for nurses. The delicate purple of the Rose de France, a member of the amethyst family, is like a breath of fresh air. It’s light and lovely. The diamonds add a special sparkle to these earrings that have an amazing price at just $95!

The modern August birthstone, peridot, is first mentioned in the Bible under the name pitdah. Pitdah, or peridot, was one of the gemstones worn in the breastplate of Aaron, the Jewish High Priest. Legend has it that this gem was also a favorite of Egyptian queen Cleopatra.

A gem variety of the mineral Chrysolite, peridot ranges in color from light yellow-green to dark olive green, with almost every other shade in between.

A gift of peridot is said to be a calming influence. Considered a tonic for the whole body, peridot also protects its wearer from negativity. It is associated with stress reduction and relaxation.

The ancient Egyptians used peridot to clean and heal the heart, which may explain why it was a favorite of Cleopatra. Powdered peridot has been used to cure asthma and legend has it that drinking from a peridot goblet can increase the potency of medicines.

Whether it does have healing powers or not, peridot makes for a beautiful accessory, especially when paired with amethyst, as the two colors contrast nicely, as in the ring to the right.

Peridot looks lovely in almost all types of jewelry, though I am particularly partial to this avant-garde peridot bead necklace with coin pearls and green agate or this combination jade and peridot ring (incidentally, jade is sometimes considered the other August gemstone), available on ice.com for the reasonable price of $195 (though it has a retail value of $400).

The grass green shimmer of peridot is the birthstone for August. It’s a stone that is said to ward off evil and keep you from having nightmares. It’s a refreshing color for everyday but particularly well suited for pastels and earth tones.

You can bring the beautiful shade of peridot into your wardrobe with these peridot and diamond briolette drop earrings. These earrings will work with many other styles of jewelry – from beads to gold chains. I really like the way the warm yellow gold accents the fresh green color. These elegant earrings are just $175.

This stunning 4 3/4 carat cushion-cut peridot and diamond 14K white gold ring shows the strength of this stone’s color. It would be a wonderful accessory to a business suit or a cocktail party dress. The cushion cut adds depth and the diamonds provide sparkle and shine. Together they combine to make this ring a true work of art.

Ok, gals! This is it – the best deal of the summer! You know those jewelry stores that always put the ugly stuff on sale? I hate that too! Not here! Check out this 1/4 carat diamond circle pendant in 14K white gold for just $140! It was originally priced at $225 – that’s a big savings! Of course, you already know that the circle pendant is the new “must have” jewelry item. There’s no better time to get in on this jewelry trend than with this great sale! If you’re really smart, you but a couple of these for Christmas gifts now while they’re on sale. I am sure your mother, sister, or even your mother-in-law would appreciate such a fine gift at holiday time!

Dear Leslie,
I am getting married this fall. I have already ordered my dress and now I am looking for accessories. Do you have a few suggestions for wedding earrings? My dress is a classic style with touches of lace. Many thanks!
Meredith in Orlando

There are so many decisions to be made before your special day! However, with a little planning and lots of help from others, the whole process can be much easier. I am happy to give you a couple of suggestions for earrings that will be perfect for any bride on her wedding day.

Nothing could be more perfect for wedding earrings than a diamond and pearl combination. It is romantic, elegant, and classic. With your hair done up or down, these 14K white gold diamond and cultured rice pearl drop earrings are the wedding earrings girls dream about. The feminine curves of the design evoke thoughts of romance and love with their gentle heart shape. The white pearls will look terrific with any wedding gown.

At just $165, this pair of diamond and pearl earrings are a great way for a bride to wear real gems down the aisle without breaking the bank. Again, these earrings feature a romantic heart design and the pearls are generous and beautiful. They will complement both modern and more traditional wedding gowns.

These diamond earrings in 14K white gold with a floral design are wonderful for any bride, but I think that they would specifically fit the needs for a more mature woman. The lacy interlocking petals of the diamond flowers will echo the lace in your dress. 124 sparkling diamonds grace these earrings. Moreover, these earrings will have a life past your wedding day. They’d be a great choice for a wide array of special occasions in your happy future!

Beloved by the ancient Egyptians, the peridot remained favorite gem through the ages for its dazzling golden-green hue. It’s regarded as a powerful amulet to ward off evil and to keep nightmares at bay. Peridot goes particularly well with wardrobes featuring pastels and earth tones. The beautiful 7/8 carat peridot and diamond pendant in 14K white gold above features a round cut peridot that is gorgeously accented by diamonds in a white gold setting. At $250 it’s a real bargain!

There is no better gift for a June bride than a 1 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Journey Pendant. The Journey Collection features diamonds that graduate from smaller to larger representing the way love grows over time. This oval pendant features 14K white gold and 24 sparkling diamonds for just $995. This pendant will look great with a wedding gown and then throughout the year.

Summer is now in full swing, and it’s time to start shopping for summer jewelry! Summer is the perfect time to experience with new looks and bold colors. Every summer, I try to experiment with a jewelry look I wouldn’t ordinarily choose, just to keep fresh. A great, fresh piece for the summer season is this fancy cut blue topaz and tiger eye gold bracelet. Polished yellow links connect alternating sky-blue topaz and exotic tiger eye, creating a bright and varied look that will add flash and verve to casual summer outfits. A great buy at only $225 – and shipping is free!

I love blue topaz for a summer look. The beautiful clear hue reminds me of the sky and sea, and it’s pale enough in color to match lighter summer wardrobes. These gorgeous blue topaz and diamond white gold earrings are a beautiful way to wear this versatile stone. Each earring hold a cushion-cut blue topaz – of more than five carats! – and a sparkling accent diamond in a simple, elegant prong setting. This is a fun and lively addition to your summer jewelry wardrobe, and an absolute steal at only $195!

Dear Leslie,
My daughter is starting high school in a couple of days and I want to get her something special to celebrate. It’s important to me that she feels beautiful on this exciting day. Do you have any recommendations?
Hannah in Chicago

I remember my first day of high school like it was yesterday. I was so nervous – meeting the teachers, finding my locker, and the boys! Ugh! It’s a lovely idea for you to get something special for your daughter on this big day. In tough moments she’ll be able to look at it and remember how much you care about her.

This gold heart charm bracelet with a toggle clasp has the perfect sentiment. It’s sweet but not too juvenile. The toggle clasp is sophisticated and the heart adds a gentle touch. It’s perfect for engraving too.

Another perfect choice for back to school is this lovely 14K yellow gold and cubic zircona locket. You can tuck a picture of yourself inside and make this piece extra special. The floral details on the engraving help make this piece suitable for everyday and the cubic zirconia adds a little sparkle. It’s a great way to say, “I love you and good luck!”

As all my readers know, I’m always on the lookout for jewelry made out of new and unusual materials. Today, I was thrilled to find a necklace made of wood. This elegant rosewood and sterling sliver pendant is a beautiful piece. Richly hued and textured rosewood is oval-cut and placed into a cool, classic sterling silver setting. This is a great piece for an evening event where you feel free to show off some individual style and flair. This chic, exotic pendant is yours today for only $85.

Dear Leslie,I am headed to the beach and don’t want to have a lot of expensive or meaningful jewelry in my hotel room. Can you suggest something that will work well with a variety of beachwear and isn’t too expensive?

Perfect for the beach, these $50 Sterling Silver Swirl Earrings remind me of ocean waves or spiral seashells. These earrings are all you need to take on vacation. A simple pair of sterling silver earrings is an essential for any jewelry wardrobe. Elegant and beautifully designed, this contemporary pair of silver swirls can easily be worn for any occasion and catch the light beautifully. They’ll work well on any seaside adventure.