Wasn’t it just Memorial Day yesterday?

The month of June flew by as fast as a streaking firework, so I’m not going to complain about a midweek break that will likely include barbeque, beer, and some sparkle of a different sort.

Here are five red, white, and blue reads that should get the industry in the mood to celebrate Independence Day:

• From senior editor Jennifer Heebner’s blog Style 360, seven designs from last year’s JCK Las Vegas show that took inspiration from the night sky, and make a fine Fourth of July statement.

• From the November 2011 issue of JCK, Elizabeth Taylor in white diamonds and rubies. Seriously, does anyone look better in red and white than Elizabeth Taylor?

• From the September 2011 issue of JCK, a story about an Arkansas jeweler who donates a one-of-a-kind red, white, and blue jewel every year to the Red, White and Blue Festival. Last year’s piece, a 14k white gold oval pendant necklace with diamonds, rubies, sapphires, and a red spinel cabochon, was valued at $7,500.

• In 2004, Le Vian awarded former U.S. Army Pfc. Jessica Lynch, the POW/MIA who was rescued by U.S. Forces in Iraq, with an ensemble of patriotic designs during a special presentation at the 28th annual Mrs. America Pageant. The designs included a white gold necklace with the U.S.A. initials bead set in red, white, and blue featuring 0.75 cts. of rubies, sapphires, and diamonds.

• From September 2001, a moving feature on David Mann Jewelers, a jewelry store in the Pentagon Mall that re-opened the day after the tragic event of September 11. Also worth checking out: the industry’s thoughts on the 10-year anniversary of the attacks.

JCK