January Birthstone: Garnets

                                                             Private Collection

Garnets in 14K Gold

"To display Gold, use a red background, to display Silver, use blue".
Deep red garnets in gold are one of my favorite things. I don't like to add diamonds to the design, for it limits the wearability of the piece. Diamonds, thither and yon, are wonderful at an after 5 affair, but during the day, at work, an informal lunch, they really are not to the scale of the day.

Gemstones like Garnets are spectacular by themselves, and with other stones as well, being the focal, or as an added highlight to the piece.



Birth Stones

By her who in January was born No gem save Garnets shall be worn They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity. The February born shall find Sincerity and peace of mind, Freedom from passion and from care, If they, the Amethyst will wear. By her who in March was born No gem save Aquamarine shall be worn They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity. She who from April dates her years,Diamonds shall wear, lest bitter tears For vain repentance flow. Who first beholds the light of day In spring's sweet, flower month of May And wears an Emerald all her life Shall be a loved and a loving wife. By her who in June was born No gem save Pearls shall be worn They will ensure her constancy True friendship and fidelity.

The gleaming Ruby should adorn, All those who in July are born, For thus they'll be exempt and free, From lover's doubts and anxiety. Wear a Peridot or for thee, No conjugal fidelity, The August born without this stone, `Tis said, must live unloved; alone. A maiden born when autumn leaves Are rustling in September's breeze, A Sapphire on her brow should bind; To bring her joy and peace of mind. October's child is born for woe, And life's vicissitudes must know, But lay an Opal on her breast, And hope will lull those woes to rest. Who first comes to this world below In dreary November's fog and snow, Should prize the Topaz amber hue, Emblem of friends and lovers true. If cold December gave you birth The month of snow and ice and mirth Place on your hand a Turquoise blue; Success will bless whate'er you do.

—Gregorian Birthstone Poems

Merry Christmas From Our House To Yours

 We wish everyone Seasons Greetings, and Happy Holidays.

Special ETSY Holiday Savings Sale! 15% Off all items in stock, only on Etsy.

Go here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/surfandsandjewelry

Use coupon code 77777 at checkout for your 15% savings.
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Sale ends January 1st.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all.
I have so much to be thankful for, but mostly, by far, my family.
Leslie

New Work in Emerald Beads: Watermelon Necklace

I saw these Watermelon Beads from Laffingull, and had to have them.

In days past, when we went to the Beach with the kids, I always brought along chunks of Watermelon, as well as drinks for everyone.  The Watermelon became known in our house as Beach Food. This necklace is an ode to my little children, who are no longer little.