What Men Really Think

These are some interesting Youtube Videos on Young Boys & Men on how they really feel about modesty and women's clothing in general.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hlMiKZbK_FM



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y9M-6UlgTtM

Southwest Black & Blue

A mix of deep Southwest colors in this necklace set, Turquoise pendant in silver with a black veining and teardrop Turquoise scattered among Onyx and silvertone caps.

Onyx: Self-control, decision making, intuition, recognition of personal strengths.
Turquoise: Spiritual attunement, cleansing, healing, protection, valor, soothing, peace of mind, guidance through the unknown, romantic spontaneity.

This and other custom natural stone designs available for purchase on the website.

Pearl Industry News

If you've always been in love with pearls but not so much in love with the price tag on a typical strand of perfect pink-and-cream akoyas, you're in luck. The pearl has been through a major transition over the past decade; Chinese producers have begun culturing and marketing a whole new segment of freshwater pearls that are beautiful, colorful and best of all, affordable.

Freshwaters, as their name suggests, are grown in freshwater lakes as opposed to saltwater, where traditional akoyas are cultured, mainly in Japanese waters. This change in pearl farming has meant profound differences in the variety of pearls available on the market. Chinese freshwaters offer greater choice, higher quality and lower prices.

Once considered a white gem, like diamonds, the cultured pearl is now being positioned by many dealers as a colored stone, with almost as many hues as sapphire or tourmaline. Mauve, brown or orange pearls from China now seem more common than the classic white akoya pearls from Japan. The vast majority - probably 95% - of pearls produced today come from the fresh waters of China, most of which are natural white, peach and lilac. Many farmers expand the range of color by dyeing freshwater pearls, but if they are white, mauve or peach, the color is usually natural. Plenty of white pearls now come from China, too, and they're grown in freshwater lakes, not saltwater bays, using mussels rather than oysters, where traditional akoya pearls come from.

The emergence of China as the world's leading pearl producer has brought unprecedented pearl diversity. Ask your jewelry retailer about Chinese freshwater pearls the next time you are in the market for that string of "white lovelies".

Provided by the resident Gemologist; artial reprint from Firstnews England.

Classy Sunstone Designs

Sunstone is a very classy, timeless stone; the perfect fleck striations crystals are what gives it that perfect look. These two designs use Sunstone in different ways; the first is as a highlight along with freshwater pearls, brown wire links and Swarovski crystals. The second is a little more causal, simple and very long; using Sunstone nuggets, Carnelian and glass Pearl beads among copper.

Available for purchase with other custom designs on the website.

Let It Snow!

While talk of "Climategate" continues, Houstonians are enjoying one of heaviest and earliest snowfalls in recorded memory. Despite the fact that snow is only collecting on rooftops and lawns (just enjoy to be festive, but not enough to be treacherous), the majority of area businesses, including both of Dave and my employers, shutdown midday today due to the "winter storm".

I'll readily admit that we're kind of weenies here on the Gulf Coast when it comes to cold weather. After all, our winters average a mild 65 degrees and I could count the number of times I've seen snow in Houston on one hand. But, given the rarity of this event, I'm happy to have the shortened work day to take it all in. While I don't miss New England winters (living through four was enough for this lifetime thankyouverymuch), I do miss the first snowfall of the season, which is far more magical and idyllic than the tenth. Blanketed in white, everything seems so much cleaner and purer -- even towns like New Haven, CT, feel peaceful and look pretty after a fresh snowfall.

Wherever you are though, and whatever kind of weather you may be enjoying today, I hope you have a lovely and magical weekend!

CZ Cocktail Ring Must Haves for Fall

A great cocktail ring is just the ticket for completing your outfit this season. Cocktail rings are fun, flirty and flat-out fabulous. Best of all, don’t feel like you have to empty your piggy back to make a statement with these beautiful baubles. There are plenty of cocktail rings and cocktail bracelets for every budget, and to suit every style.

Cocktail rings with big dark stones are a definite must have for the cold winter months. These CZ rings work well day or night, so you can be sure that you’ll get your money’s worth. Look for black or plum colored stones set in oxidized silver to create a dramatic impact. These Cubic Zirconia rings are glamorous and a little bit rock and roll. They can be used for adding a little edge to structured pieces, or can be worn with contrasting feminine fabrics like silk, chiffon, satin and velvet.

Colorful CZ cocktail rings are another hot style this year. They’ve been spotted on everyone from runway models to moms to celebs on the red carpets to working women. We’re loving the versatility and the affordability. Cubic Zirconia rings in hues like Barbie pink, golden yellow and lime green are a welcome break from the darker fabrics of the season. Add one to a monotone outfit for a great contrast. It’s your ring that will stand out.

Fun CZ jewelry is great for boosting your mood. You don’t necessarily have to be a little girl to enjoy a little sparkle in the form of a bejeweled cupcake or a ladybug. These rings are perfect for adding a little playfulness to a simple t-shirt and jean combination. They also make great gifts for the group of girlfriends in your life. Choose a symbol or a color that is favored among your friends, then scoop up a handful of CZ rings and share them.

Started as One Became Another

This design started out with the black Agates, Turquoise nuggets and pendant. It just never really ‘spoke’ or had that ‘pop’ as the designs usually did, it just kinda rubbed against the grain, so to speak. So, I took it apart, dug through the beads and came up with this.

Designs in freshwater Pearls, between silvertone star spacers, black Agates that are almost translucent with white/cream banding through some, and highlighted by a nice mother-of-pearl pendant; nice thing about the pendant is that it is smooth on one side and the blister pearls have been left on the other, gives it a ‘two-in-one’ piece.

Look for more designs available on the website.