The nip in the air and nature's rich, warm colors make autumn my favorite season. Rust, ocher, orange, red and brown are fall colors that influence the stones and metals I choose as I create jewelry. Here are a few of my favorites.

I enjoy sorting through all my treasures to find just the right combination of metals, gemstones and beads to create a unique piece of jewelry. And at this time of year, I go absolutely wild for all the deep, rich autumn colors.

Have a wonderful Autumn!

Pearls require special care to keep their luster. They should be the last thing you put on and the first thing you take off. Avoid getting make-up, perfume or hairspray on your pearls. After taking them off, wipe them with a soft cloth to remove skin oils, cosmetics and dust. If they look dull, wipe gently with a damp cloth. Never use detergents, toothbrushes, scouring pads or steam or ultrasonic cleaners.

For gemstone, glass and crystal bead jewelry simply wipe with a damp cloth. If the piece is very dirty, wet a soft cloth, add a tiny bit of Jewelry Cleaner or detergent, wipe the piece, and rinse by wiping again with a cloth dampened with water.

May your jewelry always shine!

Don't be dazed by the dog days of August. Energize your wardrobe and yourself with jewelry in bright, fun colors. Pick jewelry in a color you never considered wearing - hot pink? bright orange? fuchsia? lime green? fiery red? A new pair of earrings or a simple necklace won't break the bank. Look for jewelry that incorporates any (or all) of the following.

Go a little wild with your jewelry and jazz up your summer look!

Necklaces For a minimalist look, try a gemstone hanging from a simple chain. Add a little sparkle with a single crystal cube on an almost invisible necklace. Fine changes interspersed with gemstones or crystals provide a delicate, timeless look.

Quartz is a huge family of minerals with the same chemical composition and similar properties. It makes up 12% of the earth's crust.

Visit Jewelry Facets to learn more about all the branches of the quartz family as well as a wide variety of other gems and gemstones.

On one special day each year, children let their mothers know how much they're loved and appreciated. But did you ever wonder how that custom started? Read on for a little Mother's Day history.

When Anna Jarvis's mother died in 1905, Anna missed her greatly and realized children often neglected to appreciate their mothers while they were still alive. She started a national campaign to recognize mothers - living and dead. Anna's dream came true on May 9, 1914 when President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the second Sunday in May was to be observed as Mother's Day to honor all mothers.

While Mother's Day is celebrated in most parts of the world, it is not celebrated on the same day. For example, Mothering Sunday is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent in the UK and Mother's Day on May 10 in Mexico.

When I think of gems, I immediately think "jewelry." But gems are used in many other ways. In fact, the majority of gems that are mined are used in applications other than jewelry. Here are just a few.

Corundum is aluminum oxide. It is called ruby when red and sapphire when other colors. Regardless of color, corundum is used as an abrasive for grinding glass and polishing metal. It is made into sandpapers and grinding wheels.

Jewelry Facets provides more information about these and other gemstones.

Trees and shrubs are starting to bloom. Tulips and daffodils are popping up. Soft green blades of grass are visible. All signs spring is almost here.

Spring brings a sense of lightness and renewal. As I'm creating new designs, I'm choosing gemstones in soft pinks and greens and blues. I'm moving away from weighty styles and toward light, airy designs.

In addition to being beautiful, gemstones have distinct metaphysical properties which I enjoy learning about and sharing with you. So, here is a bit about some of the gemstones I plan to use.

Combined with sterling, bronze or copper wire, these gemstones will appear in jewelry that is sure to add a touch of spring to your wardrobe.

​Happy Spring!

There are all kinds of February holidays that may not be as famous as Valentine's Day or President's Day, but I think they're definitely more fun. This year, I'm focusing on food-related holidays with jewelry to match - enjoy!

Chase the winter doldrums away by observing these yummy holidays. Have a fun February!

This year look for jewelry featuring these Classic Blue gemstones.

Sapphire is the ideal Classic Blue gemstone in both color and meaning. It symbolizes wisdom, virtue, good fortune, faithfulness and sincerity. It is believed to increase/enhance intuition, mental clarity and spiritual power.

In addition to gemstones, crystal, glass and cubic zirconia beads will abound in this timeless color. Regardless of your budget, you'll be able to find just the right piece of jewelry in the 2020 Color of the Year - Classic Blue.