In addition to gemstones, crystal, glass, and cubic zirconia beads will abound in these two colors.
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Regardless of your budget, you’ll be able to find just the right piece of jewelry in the 2021Colors of the Year – Ultimate Gray and Illuminating.

​This year, like no other, marks a time when we must find new ways to celebrate old holiday traditions. As I write this, the coronavirus pandemic is raging. Getting together to celebrate the holidays is something many health experts suggest we forgo this year to limit the risk to ourselves and those we love. So as resourceful Americans, we are finding ways of making new holiday traditions.

Artist Websites - many local artists have their own websites or Etsy stores where you can view and purchase an array of items. You may even have the item shipped directly to the recipient; particularly helpful if you're unable to travel to be with them.

Local Artists - if you've purchased from local artists in the past and have their contact information, call or email them. Many may be willing to have you visit their studio or direct your to places displaying their art.

Local Galleries - many are open, some with reduced hours and many requiring face masks and physical distancing. Buying from a local gallery supports both the artists and the gallery owner. You're sure to find work by wonderful local artists. Check local directories to find a gallery in your area.

Craft Shows - there may be a few shows before the holidays. If you go to any, please wear a face mask, try to stay physically distant, and use hand sanitizer. Doing so not only protects you but also the artists and crafters. Craft shows usually provide a wide range of items and prices.

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.