Jewelry Ideas for that Special Someone

I think in a previous life, I must have been a magpie. Anything sparkly and colorful, I LOVE! The more precious the better. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies... I'll take any as a gift! Thankfully my husband realises this and I can send him overseas for work to return with miss-you gifts.

Actually I probably should blame Mom for my love of things sparkly. She is exactly the same and brought us girls up to be independent and to know that it was important to be financially responsible for ourselves. It was OK to save our money and then indulge ourselves if that's what pleased us. .

I have no daughters to pass my expensive tastes on to (just typical sons who have already mentally divided my jewelry into two, to lavish on their future wifes). So it's all mine forever.

The necklace pictured here is a Sheila Fleet necklace. All of Sheila Fleets jewelry is designed and made in Orkney.

The photograph is taken with my Nikon D90.

I do like vintage jewelry. I like the weight and the design of it. Some of the pieces can be a little showy so look better for evening wear, but every now and again if I'm wearing a plain outfit, then a piece of vintage jewelry can bring it all together.

Have a look through some wonderful jewelry books and you will be amazed at seeing how often your family heirlooms come back into fashion. I love reading jewelry books and collecting ideas of what I may like my next purchase to look like.

Sometimes you have an idea of what style you would like a piece of jewelry but can't find anything at the store. Why don't you buy some loose stones and take your design ideas to a goldsmith to have made up. Something unique you will treasure forever!

Costume jewelry also has a place in our collections. Often a huge statement piece would be out of the financial reach of most of us, but a we can stretch to a similar looking costume piece.

To keep your jewelry clean try using some of the products below. Remember to have your jewelry checked at a reputable jewelers to make sure your precious stones haven't come loose.