Happy Stories From our customers

Pyrite is a common mineral that is called several other names, most notably Marcasite and Fools Gold. Pyrite is also a Greek word that means fire (for obvious reasons); it’s a beautiful mineral and resembles gold with its sparkle and luster.

It’s also appearing in a number of indie jewelry designers’ collections, such as Jamie Joseph, Melissa Joy Manning and Robindira Unsworth. Pyrite pairs nicely with this Fall’s 2012 fashions and is affordable.

Sanguedolce’s Pyrite Cuff

Heather Benjamin rainbow druzy pyrite ring

Anna Sheffield’s Pyrite bracelet

(above) A ring’s worst nightmare!

I know a friend who never takes his wedding band off…until he realized he couldn’t take it off! After about an hour’s worth of trying, he finally succeeded.

It got me thinking of the importance of knowing when to remove your wedding ring.

1. Remove it occasionally just to see that you can! Fingers change size due to weight gain, water retention, etc. It’s important to take off your ring and let your finger breathe a little. It might also be a good time to re-evaluate your ring. If it’s too constricting after years of wear, it might be time to resize it (which we can do).

2. Sports. Wearing your wedding band constantly might not be such a smart idea if you love surfing, for instance. Again, fingers can change in size and water can be the perfect slippery conductor for that precious ring of yours to slip right off and into Davy Jone’s Locker.

3. Work. For certain type of jobs (such a blue-collar work) rings can just be dangerous. Find a smart place to store it and always keep it in that place. (Having several places where you keep your ring can lead to “I thought I put it here…but sometimes I put it there.” One spot consistency can save you a lot of stress!)

4. The Dreaded Dishes. You’ve seen it in the movies but it happens in real life too. Slippery, sudsy hands practically beg for that ring to slip off and potentially down a drain. When doing dishes, we advise putting the ring somewhere other than the kitchen entirely, like the top of your dresser. Again, consistency: one spot where you put your ring when you take it off.

In our pre and re-cycling era, it’s no surprise that the common nail can be put to uses other than, say, holding your house together. Here are a few nail inspired pieces of jewelry that look surprisingly sleek and functional, with just that hint of urban chic.

BELOW:

Cartier

The brand recently re-released Juste un Clou, designed by Aldo Cipullo. The designer has created magic for the house of Cartier since 1969; he turned a simple nail into a symbol of strength and beauty. “My jewelry is both functional and touchable, sleek and warm. It can be worn 24 hours a day without any problems in change of clothes.”

Cartier

Pair of 18k Yellow Gold Jabot Pins, signed A. Cipullo, $7,350; Available at Camilla Dietz Bergeron, LTD.

Photo: Courtesy of Camilla Dietz Bergeron, LTD.

Source: Elle.com

My Love at First Sight Ring is an antique, romantic piece with a nice backstory.

My husband and I met on a New Year’s cruise in 2007. He was a chef on board and I was a guest vacationing with my sister. It’s a no-no to consort with guests but there is one day the staff is allowed to stay up and fraternize and it’s New Year’s!

My sister and I were going all around the ship looking for the best place to countdown at midnight. We stepped in the elevator and 2 cute blondes got in with us. It was getting close to midnight and I jokingly said to my sister, “I hope we don’t get stuck and miss the countdown.” One of the guys said, “That wouldn’t be such a bad thing.” And I laughed.

Anyhow, out we went and had a great New Year’s and that blonde was always hovering in the background (it can be seen in photos!). We were dancing and he’d just grab my hand out of the air and spin me around. We had a great night dancing but hardly talked that night and I didn’t even know his name!

The next day my sister and I were walking on one of the ship’s levels to go on an excursion and lo and behold, there was the very same blonde in a white chef’s uniform carrying stainless steel trays. We were surprised to see each other and said hello in passing. I found out where he worked and he came out dancing with me another night, with permission from the captain himself!

Fast forward 4 years and Kevin (I did learn his name on the cruise :)) and I are reconnected. At the last minute, he decided to visit me in LA–4 years after our meeting on the cruise!

One night, while visiting, he puts his hand on my lower back as we’re walking and I think, “Uh oh!” and by the end of the week, he proposed! He said he wouldn’t let me get away. So, interesting story…truly “Love at First Sight” two times over! :)