Being a jewellery designer has given me a few small insights to coming up with the perfect Christmas gift ideas. Handmade gifts are always a great way to tell that special person in your life just how much they mean to you! Even if you don't actually craft them yourself, the fact that you took the time to have a gift made specially for that certain someone, will definitely earn enough brownie points to keep you out of the proverbial dog house for quite a while!

When I am looking for that perfect gift, the first thing I try and do is to personalize it. Anyone can buy a coffee maker or toaster - not saying those are bad examples, there have been times when those would have been gloriously accepted as the best gift ever. The point I'm trying to get across here is whether or not the recipient really needs a coffee maker or blender.

For the hard to buy for person on your list, sometimes an unusual Christmas gift is exactly what Santa ordered. Trust me on this - maybe the person you are buying for really needs a new kitchen appliance, or tools, and would be thrilled to receive them, but it's always nice to add something special that they can wear close to their hearts - reminding them of your thoughtfulness...

Ladies - you know how it feels to walk into a room and spot someone else sporting "your" dress - or heaven forbid - your jewellery! All of the jewellery pieces showcased below have been handcrafted in 14k gold and sterling silver. Each one is unique and one-of-a-kind - giving the wearer the distinction of having something completely original.

What better way to say "I love you Mom" than to give her something truly unique and beautiful! One client's mother was a 'Red Hatter' and wanted to give her something she could wear that encompassed that feature - so I created a beautiful 14k gold 'hat', complete with feather, wrapped around a sparkling ruby red Swarovski crystal heart. Her mother was thrilled and proudly sports her unique creation - to the envy of her colleagues!

Everyone has at one time or another wanted to give the 'love of their life' something special, and not break the bank! Now I'm not saying that my creations (or any designer's for that matter) are cheap - far from it! But we can offer a much better deal because we have little-to-no overhead, wholesale pricing and no middle man.

Unfortunately, I don't offer diamond rings or expensive gemstones, but I'm sure there are several artisans out there who do...

Believe it or not, wire wrapped jewellery was the mother of everything you see today! The roots of goldsmithing can be traced back to the Phoenicians who, it is believed, gave us the very first decorations women adorn themselves with today.

The Victorians took wire wrapping one step further - creating beautiful renditions of ladies names and initials in 14k gold...

When it comes to creating beautiful bracelets, India has some of the best artisans in the business.

Their craftsmen have an eye for detail that is second to none! The hand carving, and workmanship is exquisite. As well, their work is some of the most affordable jewellery available.

If you have ever had the pleasure of visiting an ethnic jewellery store, you will understand when I say the designs are unique and extremely intricate.

Most of their work is done in 14k, and 18k - which gives the gold an almost reddish cast - the higher the gold content, the richer and darker the colour.

For centuries, the Chinese have been crafting beautiful, hand carved and enameled works that have been sought after world-wide. Their attention to detail is painstaking to say the least, and the end results are amazing.

My mother introduced me to the art form called Cloisonné, or in layman's terminology, the art of enamel layering, which is world renown, expensive, meticulous work and quite beautiful.

Nothing says "I love you" more than a necklace of beautiful freshwater, or cultured pearls! Highly sought after for years - pearls have a luster and shine all their own.

Labeled the 'jewel of the orient', pearls continue to fascinate and bewitch women of all ages. Once the ornaments reserved only for royalty, pearls have come to symbolize wealth and station...

Beautiful jewellery is synonymous with financial health...the more intricate and beautiful the jewellery the wife wears, the wealthier and more important the husband is. This is not seen to be as important in this day and age as it used to be, but the beautiful jewellery we are able to purchase today have their roots firmly embedded in this belief.

The workmanship of these lovely strands of jade beads echo with tradition and master-craftsmanship.

There is something spiritual about handcrafted Tibetan beads - an essence that can't be found anywhere else in the world. The image invoked by wearing such lovely jewellery is one of painstakingly hand-carved beads, lovingly crafted by silent Buddhist monks - beads worn as a talisman against evil, insuring the wearer longevity and wealth.

For my Goth friends - or simply people who love the feel and smell of leather - these little baubles speak to the heart! As individual and unique as the one who wears them, this jewellery is timeless.

This jewellery is designed to withstand the elements and offers not only functionality, but beautiful craftsmanship - not to mention complimenting the individuality of the lucky person who gets to show them off!

Intrigue and romance come to life when you make the decision to wear these lovely baubles.

Exotic and mysterious - they add a different dimension to the discerning lady who sports these delicate and often-times, musical accessories!

These little numbers are always in fashion, and sure to please even the hard to buy for lady in your life - no matter what her age!

Delicate and beautiful, the mystery of the Orient comes to life, bringing joy, prosperity, and good health to the lucky wearer.

The stones, pearls and enamel work are said to be infused with protection, longevity, and health giving forces.

For those of you who like the glitz and glamour of pretty spark-lies, these beauties are for you!

Nothing speaks of glamour more than crystals and they are always an eye catcher!

What woman could resist all that sparkling beauty?

They make you feel like you have found and plundered Aladdin's cave of wonders or Black Beard's buried treasure!

Another treasure that has been sought after for centuries is the beautiful workmanship of Swarovski and Austrian crystals.

These 'poor man's' diamonds have graced the necks and bosoms of royalty since their discovery! Once thought to be the sole purview of kings and queens, these beautifully faceted stones have synonymous with the rich and famous world over.

No hub on jewellery would be complete without touching on time - or should that be timeless...

Every well dressed woman would love to be sporting one of these gorgeous watches, resplendent with Swarovski crystals. Nothing says "special" quite like a gift of impeccably crafted crystal - and these watches clearly show this.

And if the love of my life happens to read this (and I will point him in the right direction), a timely gift would be graciously and happily accepted!