Most of us are happy to bid adieu to 2009 — the financial stumbling, woes and worries of the recent past have encouraged us to move toward a new beginning.  This next decade, even with economic recovery, is not likely to return to old habits of spending & debt.  We are in the midst of redefining life and luxury.  Most of us have prioritized family and savings high on our list in light of our current economic conditions.  As consumers we demand value, often looking for things we can’t get elsewhere.  Conservative spending behaviors and pragmatic savings take hold while conspicuous consumption and overt willingness to take on debt dissipates.

With a focus on frugality, the celebration of life’s special moments (engagements, anniversaries, birthdays, and holidays), typically marked with jewelry takes on a different flavor.  With consignment estate jewelry you can afford a “wow” piece that says “you’re special” without breaking the bank.  The treasures from the past (Victorian, Edwardian, Art Deco jewelry) offer unique design and expert craftsmanship.  Purchasing pre-owned jewelry allows you to save 30 to 50% off the comparable retail value.

The next time you need a little something special, think estate jewelry and save!

Got gold fever?  Maybe yes, maybe no.

Gold, gold, gold…  It’s in the news, the papers, home parties, radio, TV – everyone is talking about how high gold prices are today.  Does that mean it’s a good time to buy? Sell? Invest?  Before you jump…be sure you know why prices have been spiking and answer the key question:  can it last?

Here are some facts:

• The present focus on gold came as the global economy indicated troubles. The first gold rush dates back to 1848 when the frenzy developed upon the discovery of gold in California and population ballooned.
• The second Gold Rush was from 1974 – 1980 as inflation soared.  That was the first time since the Great Depression that US households were allowed to invest in gold.  Prices at that time rose from $100 to $850.  In the last several months gold has been hovering at $1100 an ounce.
• The gold frenzy of 2009-10 could be the referred to as a “third Gold Rush.”

While some economists suggest that gold could eventually climb to as high as $5000 an ounce, that presumes inflation and consumer prices rise.  To date that’s not the case. Since 1974 inflation has shown a 4.2% gain, the S & P gained 11.5% and gold showed a gain of 5.1%.

Some “smart money managers” are buying gold.  There are several ways to invest:

• Gold coins can be bought through the mint at a 33% mark up. Since the government sees coins as collectables a 28% tax is assesses on any profits from the sale of coins (only 15% tax is placed upon other types of capitol gains).
• Gold-mining stocks offer a diversified gold mutual fund.  The warning here is that these stocks are related to the Dow and fell with the market even though gold rose.
• Gold futures can be bought through a broker.  Since these are leveraged bets they could result in major losses even when gold drops marginally.

Gold has had its ups and downs and probably will continue.  Unless you are in the business or have the money to risk it’s better to view gold as a luxury item.   Because gold will always have value, buying jewelry allows you to accumulate material items that will retain value while you enjoy them!

While spring’s fashion runways were littered with jewelry overkill, this year’s golden globe celebrities have proven that “less is more” equals chic and sophisticated.

Missing are the layers of chunky beads, piles of bangles and big earrings that were present at the Spring 2010 shows ruled by the likes of Dolce & Gabbana and Bottega Veneta. Instead, our very demure celebs focused on a single piece of jewelry; the earring.

The chandelier earring has long been a popular staple in India and the Middle East, and the United States is beginning to take notice. Not only are they incredibly flexible, but these terrific adornments can easily enhance ones appearance. The same goes for the drop earring; large or small, this accessory adds dazzle to any appearance.

Observe; our favorite celebrities at this year’s Golden Globes ceremony.

Thanks to a pair of gorgeous pearl tassel chandeliers, Kate Hudson was not only glamorous, but she also achieved that 1940s Old Hollywood vibe most A-Listers strive for on the Red Carpet.

Jennifer Garner was a romantic vision with her swept-back hair and understated diamond chandeliers.

Lauren Graham’s diamond chandeliers added just the right touch to her bright-pink dress and perfect pale skin.

Courtney Cox’s loose-tendril updo was flawless, and the gold and black sapphire earrings were the perfect accent.

While Sandra Bullocks unusual purple dress was likely the star of the red carpet, her gorgeous drop earrings sealed the deal – making her the epitome or Red Carpet glamour.

Julianne Moore’s gorgeous emerald and diamond drops matched her green eyes perfectly.

We get engagement ring buyers of all varieties; sometimes the women come in for ideas, sometimes the men comes in alone, and sometimes they come together. There have even been times where a woman will purchase her own engagement ring, or at least put it on layaway, because she loves it so much and wants to be sure it’s hers. While the more traditional approach is for the men to purchase the ring, sometimes they need a little help. Which brings us to our main point; an engagement ring is a highly important piece for a woman – she should have a say on what it’s going to look like.

Generally what we see are couples coming in together looking for the right ring. The woman will typically select a few, and say “you pick one out of these,” and then it’s up to the gentleman. This is a great strategy, because as a guy, you really can’t go wrong here. Other ways to learn what she loves are by looking online and possibly talking to friends. However, there’s really no better way then to come into the store and watch her try them on. When she finds that perfect ring, you’ll know it when you look at her.

Some men want to take it upon themselves to do all of the work. While this is admirable and one can appreciate the effort, it doesn’t always work out the way you expect it to. Going into an engagement ring purchase blindly and not knowing what she likes may be disastrous.  Chances are, your fiancée-to-be has been looking at engagement rings for years, and has a slight idea of what she wants. While the element of total surprise may be lost by asking what she likes, you will be safe knowing she has a ring on her finger that she’ll love for years to come. If you insist on her not knowing anything, ask a friend of hers to go shopping with her and report back to you. There are many creative (and sneaky!) ways to get the right ideas.

Over the years we have seen many jewelry disasters,  most of which may easily have been avoided. While accidents happen, we would like to take the time to help you keep your jewelry in tip-top shape as long as possible. These few tips will help to ensure that you have a long, trouble-free relationship with the jewelry that you love.

Take it off when you shower. By keeping your jewelry off in the shower, you’re able to keep it cleaner longer, and you’re also able to clean the areas in which you wear it. If your jewelry does not come into the shower with you, you’re not getting it covered in shampoo and body wash. You can also be sure to thoroughly clean your hands and ears and anywhere else that your jewelry is worn. Just be sure to put it in a safe place when you’re not wearing it.

Take it off when you sleep. Many people are usually surprised when they hear this one. However, it’s important to give your skin a break. Rings especially, which hug your fingers and don’t give them much room to “breathe.” Taking out your earrings eliminate the possibility of them being pulled out of your ear as you sleep, and necklaces aren’t likely to break as well. Also, the constant practice of taking off your rings eliminates the chance that they will get stuck on your finger. Though some may not want to admit it, as we get older we grow, and fingers may swell. Many people get rings stuck on their fingers and have to get them cut off, and no one likes seeing a piece of jewelry that means a lot to them cut in half! Then there’s the initial period where you skin has to heal before you can have the ring sized to wear it again. Bottom line, take it off!

Take it off when you work out. This again goes for all jewelry, but rings in particular. Rings have been known to get bent out of shape in particular with the use of weights and any other equipment that your fingers wrap around. Necklaces and bracelets aren’t safe either; there’s an endless amount of things they could get caught on in a gym or at home.

When you’re on vacation. This doesn’t always apply, because we understand that you want to show off their jewelry. However, when you’re at the beach for example, most people want to take off their engagement rings and watches. Many women just wear their wedding bands and leave the engagement rings for when they’re off the beach. This also applies for hiking and camping, where jewelry is vulnerable to loss or damage. If you’re staying in a hotel, be sure there is a safe in the room that only you have access to. Nothing ruins a vacation like the theft or damage of a piece you love!

I’m sure that there are countless other occasions in which you should not be wearing your jewelry. With a little good judgment, care, and sometimes luck, you will be enjoying your jewelry for a long time to come.