Last year, the name “Simone” was number 820 on the list of popular names for baby girls in the U.S. I expect that in 2016 and 2017, that name will be several hundred places higher, thanks to the awe-inspiring Olympian Simones. Gymnast Simone Biles won her fourth gold medal at the Rio Olympics today. Only…
Non-Buyer’s Remorse: Pucci Boots
As I’ve said before, I rarely get buyer’s remorse, but I occasionally get non-buyer’s remorse. I know these Pucci boots were marked 8.5 and I’m usually size 6, but I regret not going into Goodwill and trying them on, just in case. I spotted these in June and then they were gone … I can’t…
The Week in Review
In case you missed it, here’s what was on the blog this week. Monday: National Jeweler has kind words for my ANZA Gems design. Tuesday: Olympic pearls of wisdom. Wednesday: Summer jewelry ideas. Thursday: Jewels by Grace has a jewel by Wendy. Friday: Spending quality time with Paul McCartney. Over on Instagram, I showed some…
Musical Interlude: My Almost-Husband, Paul McCartney
Last Sunday, my real-life husband, MrB, accompanied me to MetLife Stadium in New Jersey to see my almost-husband, Paul McCartney, in concert. I wore the t-shirt I got at the Cavern Club in Liverpool in 2014. I didn’t take a full outfit photo, but here’s a candid picture of my face during the almost-three-hour-long show….
Customer of the Day: Grace Lavarro
I had the pleasure of meeting Grace Lavarro at the JCK LUXURY show in Las Vegas in June. We were introduced by our jewelry designer friend Marla Aaron. Grace is the owner of Jewels by Grace, which sells antique diamonds, fine vintage and estate jewels, and contemporary engagement rings. I definitely didn’t expect her to…
Turquoise and Sunshine for Summer and Beyond
Summer seems to go so fast. MrB makes fun of me for saying every July 4, “Summer’s almost over!” And August! Forget August. August is the Sunday of months. But don’t listen to me. Listen to MrB, who will tell you — correctly — that we have six weeks of summer left. The latest Contemporary…
Pearls in the Pool: For Olympians Only
I have strong opinions about how people should treat their fine jewelry, and that includes a no-pool policy for any pieces you want to keep in peak condition. But I’ll make an exception for Olympic athletes, like swimmer Kathleen Baker, whose pearl stud earrings are her signature look. Let’s face it: There aren’t too many…
Thanks to the Academy … and National Jeweler
A million thanks to Brecken Branstrator of National Jeweler for selecting my two-finger ring design for ANZA Gems as one of her American Gem Trade Association’s Spectrum Award favorites! National Jeweler had already posted my ring on Instagram last week, but today Brecken included it in her Academy Awards-style blog post on her personal winners,…
The Week in Review
In case you missed it, here’s what was on the blog this week. Monday: My two-finger ring for ANZA Gems is getting a lot of love. Tuesday: Spinel is a new birthstone for August, and it comes in lots of colors. Wednesday: My JCK Las Vegas style. Thursday: I realized that a quadrille is a…
Jewels of the Month, Part II: More Punk Platinum
When I started in the fine-jewelry business in 2005, a punk-inspired safety-pin earring or brooch was on the top of my to-do list. I’d seen plenty of costume-jewelry versions, but, as a customer, I hadn’t come across any gold or platinum pieces that I liked. It seems strange now that I couldn’t find something that…