When I was a little girl (in the late 'fifties and early'sixties), it seemed that Christmas didn't come until about 5 days before. In Hot Springs, Arkansas where I grew up, the yearly Christmas parade was on December 2nd - I remember because that was the birth date of my younger twin sisters. But between the 2nd and the day of Christmas, the time crawled unbelievably slowly, and it was only then that some stores began to put up Christmas decorations; most people got their Christmas trees the week or a few days before Christmas.
However, while many people deplore the early start of Christmas nowadays, I love it! Christmas decorations take time to put up; it's good to leave them up for more than 5 days or so.
I love the Christmas mood that many people seem to share this time of year, too (as long as they are not desperately shopping on Christmas Eve day!).
I love Christmas songs which I've been singing to my grand-daughter before she takes her afternoon nap. "Christmas songs or regular songs?" I ask her as she lies on the bed, and she quickly answers, "Christmas songs!" She seems especially to like We Three Kings, O Holy Night, God Bless Ye Merry Gentlemen.
Christmas is especially enjoyable if you do your Christmas shopping early and online. At Cluny Grey Jewelry, I am already doing some custom pieces, and I can do them exactly as the client wants them since we have plenty of time to email back and forth and for mailing.
The newest additions to the site are here: above, a blue topaz bangle bracelet with gem quality London blue topazes and sterling silver Thai Karen Hill Tribes accents.
Below, a favorite combination of mine is lapis and 14 karat goldfill. I am very fond of chain bracelets; this lapis bracelet carries the lapis theme to the other side of the bracelet with coin lapis beads. A hammered disk adds texture and interest so that whichever side of the bracelet shows, it looks beautiful. The large focal lapis rectangle is wrapped with goldfill and has a goldfilled flower charm on it. A gold sand dollar hangs beside the goldfilled toggle clasp. Gold and lapis is a jewelry trend that is here to stay!
Below, a rose quartz bangle bracelet with the prettiest pinkest faceted squares and rectangles of rose quartz with sterling silver. Pink and sterling silver are so very pretty together. The toggle clasp has a flower on it.
Below, I love drusies, simply because I love sparkle! This blue chalcedony drusy is complemented by Montana agate ovals in black and grey tinged with blue. Intricate sterling silver and a blue topaz charm add to its charm.
This simple necklace is really a knockout because of the three wonderful carved genuine aquamarine leaves. The leaves are a gorgeous shade of aquamarine blue and rather thick (so many carved gemstones are very thin) and rich. The leaves hang from a goldfilled chain.
Enjoy this Christmas season, and if I can help you with a gift for someone very special, please let me know.
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A bit more on citrine today; it's an under-rated gemstone that is really quite wonderful. One of its best points is that its pretty color ranging from the palest yellow to a deep golden whiskey color plays well with others. It's great in combination with many other gemstones. And that is especially good news for those who want to wear their November birthstone, but feel that all yellow may not work with their wardrobe. Above, citrine is a stunner with blue aquamarines. (Currently for sale on the Cluny Grey Jewelry site).
Also, whether you believe in the power of gemstones or not, it is fascinating to read about the various qualities and forces which have been attributed to them, and citrine has some very, very special qualities.
- Citrine is known as the prosperity stone or the success stone. This belief is so strong for some that they carry or wear a citrine gemstone with them when starting a new business or trying to revive an old one, or when they have had economic setbacks.
- Citrine is also known as a calming gemstone that will turn emotional chaos into order and soothe injured feelings. It is believed to transform negative energy into positive energy.
- Citrine enhances mental clarity, confidence and willpower.
- Improves psychic awareness and spiritual development.
- Improves self-awareness.
- Promotes joy and laughter.
- Helps those who have difficulty sleeping. A citrine(s) under one's pillow will eliminate nightmares and improve quality of sleep.
Above, one of my favorite bracelets combined citrine with pale grey ocean jasper rondelles. Below, apatites lovely aqua is a great foil for light colored citrine.
Two more citrine based combinations:above, a carved amethyst gemstone flower sits atop a large faceted citrine nugget. Below, genuine sapphires ground a citrine bracelet full of carved citrine gemstones.
Citrine and rubies! You bet!They are stunning together, especially so with the addition of intricate pieces of sterling silver (from Bali and the Thai Karen Hill Tribes). Is it a ruby bracelet or a citrine bracelet? Perfect for the person who has a November birthday and a special someone with a July birthday.
In fact, some of the prettiest bracelets that we make combine birthstones of family members, or the two birthstones of a couple. We can make bracelets with gemstone combinations that look beautiful (okay, so you don't think that red, purple, and yellow (July or January, February, and November) will look good together? Wait until you see what we can do! We guarantee that you'll love it!)
Remember, it is not too early for us to make a memorable gift for you to give to that special someone for Christmas! Our custom pieces are priced just as our website pieces are - there is no special charge to have a custom piece made! And if you don't like it, you don't have to buy it! No money up front - you don't pay until you approve the final bracelet and it is ready to ship!
FREE SHIPPING ON ORDERS $50 AND OVER; ONLY $1.95 FOR ORDERS UNDER $50.00.
Citrine is one of my favorite gemstones; I have a citrine bracelet and ring that I wear constantly, and oddly enough, citrine seems to go with so many things in my wardrobe. I prefer citrine which is rather dark with a clear true yellow color though it can sometimes be rather difficult to find. I wear citrine all year round, but sometimes tend to think of the lighter citrine as a "summer" gemstone since it looks so good against a tan. But pair citrine with a grey wool outfit and add a pretty scarf with a touch of yellow and you have a winning combination!
The citrine in the bracelets here is a shade that I do love: it's clear and fairly even (sometimes citrines can look mottled). The top citrine bracelet has two strands: one of chunky citrine nuggets and a single lampwork bead, and a second that is heavy on Thai Karen Hill Tribes sterling silver with a smattering of little citrine rondelles to give it colour and unite it with the main strand. I also like the toggle clasp which features bezel-set citrine cabochons in the ends of the toggle bar, a little touch that sets this bracelet apart.
The second citrine bracelet, above, is one strand that features some of my favorite chunky faceted citrine nuggets. Again, a single lampwork bead adds interest to the bracelet as do the three charms that dangle near the middle of the bracelet. This bracelet would look wonderful with a dark brown or tan outfit!
Citrine came to be known as the "Merchant's Stone" because of its ability to
generate income for the person holding the crystal. Some people keep citrine in a cash box to assure protection of their wealth.
Some qualities people believe citrine has:
- The ability to improve problem-solving skills and memory.
- Balance the yin/yang aspects of a person.
- Improve self-esteem, optimism, confidence, and willpower.
- Improve the digestive system.
The bangle bracelet above is made with gem-quality citrine rectangles that are finely faceted. The curved bangles are sterling silver as are the other elements. This is what I call an "everyday" bracelet, one of those that you reach for almost everyday, no matter what you are wearing because it is simple and sits easily on the wrist. It's great to wear for work since it does not get in the way when working on the computer or doing other workday tasks. And it can go casually elegant or formal business.
The earrings above hang from some of our favorite earwires, a modern curve of sterling silver. The simple rectangles are also gem-quality and faceted like a gemstone for a ring - with a flat surface, edge beveling, and a pointed back. These stones are a real favorite!
Looking for a birthday gift for someone in November? Check our Citrine Bracelets page (although we have a page of citrine earrings and citrine necklaces as well). Many of our citrine bracelets are mixed with different gemstone such as aquamarine, garnet, ruby, sapphire, and chalcedony so that they are very wearable and versatile for the woman who does not often wear yellow!
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Fall is truly here although we still have most days in the 70's and it did hit 80 degrees this week. Never mind. I'm wearing my Fall clothes and busily finishing transferring all my warm weather clothing to another closet. Along with seeing what clothes I have that are still going to "work" for me this year, I also have all my jewelry, including costume jewelry, out to see what necklaces and bracelets are going to look good with what new outfits. Does anyone else do this every year?
I'm a bangle lover. Bangle bracelets have been a favorite of mine since I was in junior high and longed for a simple real gold bracelet. The bangle bracelet is one jewelry trend that has never really gone out of style. These gold bangles, however, combine gemstones with my gold for a look that is both colorful and classic. Gold bangle bracelets look fantastic with your work clothes, then go out to happy hour and dress up well, too.
Above is pink tourmaline (difficult to find) in the form of dainty little hearts; below is a lapis bracelet made with smooth lapis rounds. Lapis bangle bracelets look great with jeans!
Above and below, abalone is scrumptious for bangle bracelets. Because the actual pieces of abalone are so beautiful, bangle bracelets are a wonderful venue to show off the gorgeous colors. (All the gold here is 14 karat goldfill).
Above is a beautiful aquamarine bangle bracelet. This gold bangle bracelet has pretty blue aquamarine flat nuggets in the center, and twisted bangles on the side. A twisted toggle clasp adds to the texture of the bracelet as do the sharply faceted aquamarine rondelles and fluted caps on either side.
The abalone bracelet, above, features two strands of abalone and sterling silver. This bracelet really, really gleams. I've kept the sea theme going on with a pretty seashell charm and a starfish charm. Little stick beads are from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes and are so pretty with the different look they give the bracelet.
Be sure to get your Christmas orders in early. For once, I will not be going out of the country this Christmas, but it's still good to start working on custom orders as soon as possible!
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I love chain bracelets! I have one that I never take off; it's a permanent fixture on my wrist. I also love bracelets that mix gold and silver, in the case, the chain bracelet is a mixture of sterling silver and 14 karat goldfill. Tiny goldfilled ball charms hang from the middle of the bracelet and the clasp is also 14 karat gf. Three strands of chain make for a perfect bracelet!
I like combinations that aren't seen very often like the citrine and sapphire bracelet above. The citrines are all carved gemstones in flower rondelles or carved leaf shapes. The sapphires are faceted rondelles in a deep blue. The bracelet is accented with 14 karat gf.
Statement necklaces are very popular right now, but there are times when all you want is something simple and elegant. Enter this sapphire necklace, a lariat necklace with special flower accents in sterling silver from the Thai Karen Hill Tribes. Three smooth medium-blue colored oval sapphires fall from each flower; the large oval-linked chain is lightly textured. Holding it together is a small diamond shaped toggle clasp (also sterling silver, of course).
More sapphires! The earrings above feature 14 karat gf accents for a sophisticated look (leverbacks), while the sterling silver sapphire earrings below will delight cat lovers. Each cat sits on a faceted sapphire rondelle and is topped by a sapphire. The earrings hang from sterling silver leverbacks so that they stay on securely.
I've always thought of labradorite as a Fall/Winter gemstone for some reason - probably because it always conjures visions of snow-filled countries and northern lights. The labradorite necklace above has labradorite with plenty of flash; the large pendant flashes its blue and aqua tones as the wearer moves about. Four little flashy faceted coins dangle above the smooth pendant. The necklace itself consists of faceted rondelles.
Below, super flashy faceted coins hang from the elaborately swirled earrings here. The earwires themselves are decorated with a single beaded ball. Labradorite earrings are great! The more you move your head, the more noticeable they are.
Don't be a procrastinator! (I know what I am saying!) Start jewelry shopping for Christmas now, and if you want a custom order, we'll have plenty of time to design it together so that you get exactly what you want for that special someone!
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Although it is not officially here until next week, I can smell Fall in the air, and feel the energy that comes along with the season. I'm continuing to post pieces from the new Fall Collection on the Cluny Grey Jewelry website. Here are some of the pieces that will be posted this week:
Above and below: the aqua chalcedony bracelet features gold chain which is a big fashion trend this year. The chalcedony here is beautiful; the smaller gemstone serves as a counter-weight so that the bracelet does not keep turning over. 14 karat goldfill and vermeil.
Below, a prehnite bracelet features pretty translucent green olive faceted gemstones linked together with sterling silver and closing with a filigree cameo clasp.
Below, a pretty bracelet in chrysoprase has a feminine flowered toggle clasp in sterling silver and little round cabochon chrysoprase charms.
A drusy pendant is the focal of this necklace of tourmalinated quartz and amethysts. The faceted flat quartz nuggets are partially translucent and separated by translucent amethysts pebbles. The back of the necklace is a heavy sterling silver chain. The drusy pendant has a sparkling black drusy surround by sterling silver and four faceted bezel-set amethysts. The perfect necklace to go from work to happy hour, to pair with a LBD or with a favorite dress.
Below, the bracelet of tourmalinated quartz and amethysts, sold separately, is a perfect match for the drusy necklace above.
The aquamarine necklace features only aquamarine and sterling silver. The aquamarines are smooth ovals, faceted nuggets, and pretty briolettes clustered at the center. This would look great with navy - the neutral this season, and also with burgundy, the really hot color for Fall/Winter.
Pearls are big this season! The freshwater pearl bracelet above is meant to be worn with the chalcedony nugget and the pretty toggle clasp on top of the wrist. The toggle clasp has a bezel set pearl. The aqua chalcedony is a beautiful faceted nugget.
Below, three strands of freshwater pearls mix with gold and mother-of-pearl. The gold, including the pretty puffed heart charm, is 14 karat goldfilled. The geometric look comes from an open square of mother-of-pearl with a fluted 14 karat goldfilled bead inside it.
The earrings below are chalcedony in a minty green topped with genuine rubies. All metal is sterling silver. Beautiful with black - and the colors show up with most hair colors.
Chain bracelets are another big trend this year; add charms and you have a real winner. All sterling silver with a sterling silver toggle clasp with a cabochon onyx embedded in a triangle of the toggle. The sterling chains range in size from 2mm to 8mm.
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If you've been following the fashion news, you know that the big color news this fall is black and navy, burgundy, and winter white. Since all are basically neutrals, that makes me very, very happy. I love to wear neutrals and add bright touches with scarves, and of course, jewelry. So this fall, where jewelry colors are concerned, almost anything goes!
Above, a new style for Cluny Grey and one that I'm sure that you'll love!. Three strands of flashy labradorite faceted coins glimmer across the front of your wrist while two large nuggets of labradorite, also flashy, hold the bracelet in place. The labradorite clasp adds that special touch that makes the piece extra elegant.
Agate jewelry has been in vogue and shows no signs of going away. The agate bracelet that you see above illustrates the interesting patterns that can be found in the gemstone. It also blends wonderfully with many other stones as well as you can see in this agate bracelet that has large flat faceted agate nuggets separated by faceted ruby rondelles. Gold is back stronger than ever!
We are well into September and here are some new pieces in sapphire, the September birthstone: above, a sapphire bangle bracelet in sterling silver with Thai Karen Hill Tribe dangles hanging from the sides. Below, a gold bangle bracelet with smooth oval sapphires.
Below, a simple chain necklace with a single drop featuring 3 faceted rondelles topped with a smooth oval sapphire. Last, the prettiest sterling silver chain made of cutout hearts with three smooth sapphire ovals hanging beside the swivel curved lobster clasp.
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