I've always wanted one of these...

Gold-filled bracelet. 

Not sure of the term given to this bracelet, but when I find out, I'll let you know. I only know that I've always wanted one like this, but I'll let you pry this away from my hands if some chic lady is interested. 

{SOLD}

Bangin'

BANGLES!

FROM THE LEFT:

*Sterling

*Sterling with safety chain

*Sterling with aquamarine

*Gold filled with safety chain

*Gold filled with rhinestones

*Gold filled

Coral dangles

Genuine coral set in gold filled.

{SOLD}

Hello ladies

set in gold filled; has bale for chain. 

from the left: set in 10k; set in gold filled. Both have bales to wear as a necklace; both have stick pins to wear as a brooch. 

{G.F. pendant SOLD}

Tests

"The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold, 

and the Lord tests hearts."

Proverbs 17:3

* Study bible notes: 17:3 Crucible and furnace suggest that the Lord tests hearts by adversity. 

September Sapphires

"Did you know...Sapphires come in all colors, shapes, and sizes....
Worn by carried by royalty in the Ancient world, this gemstone has been highly sought after by numerous civilizations- empires have grown and fallen over this stone.  The blue sapphire, as most people know of this precious gemstone, is the most highly prized variation, but these others sure are pretty too. As the September birthstone, it’s a favorite of mine!" - Jamie Joseph, jewelry designer

Me too, Jamie.

Here is a photo of her sapphires. 

Deceiving, isn't it?

This is more what Cherche' sapphires will look like:

 

One day...

Tidbit

I promise I have new {old} jewelry to share; A.Lee has just been so busy to take the pics! Also, my header and blog layout is getting a much-needed update. If I could only find the time....please bear with.

In the meantime, I'll give you another "Ask an amateur" post/tip.

To recap:
1. Underdress when going to markets or antiquing.

2. When going to a jewelry store for engagement rings, or for a large purchase, or to look diligently for an item, and need the owners help, go early. 

I'll explain.

I didn't know this before working at a jewelry store, but all the big ticket items need to be picked up and put in the safe for the night. Most jewelry stores do this about 30 minutes before closing time. So if you want to see all the gems, go well before they close.

Hope that tidbit helps. It's practical, but it needs to be said.

Just doing some stalking

Photo and design credit here. Pyrrha Designs.

And I'll leave you with this:

Amateur knows best

I'm wanting to start a series called "Ask an expert." I have a few questions and a few people set up for a series of FAQ's in the world of jewelry.

But in the meantime, I have a few tips to share which I call "Stuff the amateur knows."

As I mentioned yesterday, the first rule of antiquing, bargaining, or shopping for deals is this: Underdress.

I personally wear only a gold wedding band on my left hand when I shop for deals. I got it for my anniversary because of bargaining purposes, and for the simple reason that some days I just want to be simple. Minimizing can be so chic. And that coming from a usual-gaudy jewelry wearing person.

But back to bargaining. Andrew often asks me how I do it. I know there are a few things in this world that I am good at, and this is one of them. I'm firm, yet polite. I know what I want, yet I stay around and think. And most importantly, I know when to walk away. I always have control because the ball is in my court, and I know it. But the easiest thing a person can do is dress the part. That goes for life in general: bargaining, job interviews, and the list goes on and on.

I'll try to put my bargaining techniques into words but in the meantime, that is my advice: look homeless. Just kidding.

I'm dedicated

Yesterday morning, I woke up at 4:30 am. I woke up on purpose because I wanted to go to a market in The Most Random City, SC.

The market opens at 4 am and closes around 2 pm. I had to work at the jewelry store yesterday, so I had to get there early, then truck it to work.

I had the best time. I listened to old hymns on those old country roads. There wasn't too much fog. My GPS got me there just fine. I parked and as I got out of my car, I heard crickets. I realized how early it really was. And the weather was so cool! Almost cold for me. Right away wished I had an oversized sweatshirt on. Maybe like the LSU one that I want for my birthday. I started to walk in my black patent leather flip flops, and I immediately realized that I was overdressed. The {6 am} dew was too wet for flip flops, anyway. You needed tennis shoes! Rule #1 when going to markets, antique shows, antique malls: underdress; you don't want them marking up the price because you look like you can afford more.

While trekking through the wet grass, I found some stuff. I found 2 orange lamps with bulbs and shades for a price you wouldn't believe. I told the man that I really liked them; they were unexpected. Really unexpected for me. I said, "My husband won't believe what I'm coming home with; I'm not exactly the orange-lamp-buying-kinda- girl."

Those huge orange lamps came home with me along with a few other steals. On my drive out of the parking lot, I saw a burly, old man. He had a thick, white beard and was wearing overalls. He had a leash and was walking his black cat. A cat. Another man was literally walking in one direction with his eyes starring back at the scene in the opposite direction. I got a little chuckle...by myself, of course. You'd be crazy to think that A.Lee would get up at 4:30 for anything but hunting or a flight.

I enjoyed my time by myself. I hope this becomes sort of a Wednesday {early} morning ritual. I just have to remember how early.

Holly berry, Poinsettias, and Peppermint Candy:

This is the best of the Christmas season, in my book anyway.

In the jewelry world, the list would read a little more like the following:

*Black jets

*Aura borealis crystals

*Vintage Cocktail rings

It may be September 1st, but for me, I'm gearing up for the Christmas season. Please let me know if you would like to host a show! I'm getting booked up pretty quickly.

Here's just a few photos to get you in a seriously premature holiday spirit!

You mustn't forget Aaron Neville at Christmas! 

As hurricane season continues, {and as one is in my vicinity}, Merry Christmas!