Fine Jewelry For The Cost Of An iPod

Turn off the news this weekend and indulge yourself in a pick-me-up present! It is the right medicine to combat all the infectious doom-and-gloom news on television. Nothing cheers you up like retail therapy, and there is no better time than now to shop.

While Hallmark has yet to recognize a “National Fine Jewelry Appreciation Day,” I urge industry to spread its enthusiasm for jewelry even more by removing ‘wow’ pieces from locked cases and putting them on your person. Layer up your necklaces and put pins on all your lapels! The news may be glum, but our product is anything but; jewelry is a constant source of beauty which never fades or fails to catch someone’s eye when the sun shines. Celebrate what you sell and tactfully ‘stick it’ to the news by wearing more of it.

Wherever you go this weekend—the mall, church, dinner, or to the kids’ soccer game—put your best jewelry on your body. If you’re in need of a new piece, 10 suggestions are below, all costing $250 or less. Remind people that in dark times, nothing brings out light like bling.

A 14 yellow gold and freshwater pearl belly button earring is $200. Tummy Toys.  

Fern earrings are sterling silver, 1 ¾ of an inch long, and cost $200. Amanda Elizabeth.   

The large Polka Dot ring is made of 14k gold and is 1/8 of an inch wide. It’s available in yellow, white, or rose gold for $200. Carla Caruso Jewelry available at Silverado Vermont. 

Small micro mosaic earrings from the Mars and Valentine collection feature glass, pearls, and blue topaz in sterling silver for $225. Echo of the Dreamer available at Carol Henderson Gallery. 

Upside-down hoop earrings measure 2 inches long and are made of 14k gold. They retail for $175. Lana Jewelry.

A sterling silver and carnelian necklace is $249. Michou available on Amazon.com.

The Side Tattoo necklace features a leather form on a sterling chain for $75. Enina J. Design available on Etsy.com (seller eninaj).

The Bluebird Square pendant necklace is a tiny original acrylic painting under glass and set in sterling silver for $180. The piece dangles from three silver chains. Ananda Khalsa available at Artful Home.

The Long Cage Pendant is a 4.5 mm pearl set in a sterling silver cage on a silver snake chain for $185. Patricia Madeja available at Artful Home.

Madeja’s email is CallahanMadeja@earthlink.net

The Art Deco Silver Locket accommodates a one-inch high by half-inch wide photo, and dangles from an 18-inch silver chain. The piece is $175. Dawn Estrin and George Wilson (aka Bijou Graphique) available at Artful Home.