This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to Sand our winner!

Pearls, when made well, are one of the most beautiful stones.  I don’t own a lot of “real” jewelry except for my wedding rings, a necklace my husband bought for Mother’s Day, and a bracelet my Father bought when I graduated college.  However, I have my “list” of pieces I’d love to own some day.  Jewelry is a very personalized purchase but definitely something I enjoy receiving as a gift.

I’ve never actually owned a set of “real” pearls.  My good friend gifted me with a high end costume set which included a pearl necklace, pearl bracelet, and pair of pearl earrings for her wedding many years ago.  And unfortunately, after many years,  it’s evident that the pearls were not real.

I recently learned that pearls vary in type and quality and are often graded.  Pearl Paradise sent me a gorgeous pair of 14kt White Gold Cultured Freshwater Pearl earrings (size 7.5-8.0 mm).  Because I didn’t know much about Freshwater Pearls (and maybe you don’t either), here is a bit of information from the site:

Freshwater pearls are quite possibly the most versatile variety of pearls produced today. They grow in nearly every conceivable shape, the widest range of sizes, and exhibit a palate of pastel colors ranging from dark purple, to light pink and white. Freshwater pearls grow predominately in China, and to a much lesser extent in Japan. While the most commonly produced shapes are baroque, a very small percentage, less than 2% of total production, are considered round or very near round. Our primary focus is that top 2%, selecting only the roundest, cleanest, most lustrous product available on the market today to offer our customers.

Other types of pearls available include Akoya Pearls, Tahitian Pearls, Kamoka Pearls, and more.  When you visit the site, I feel like the company knows pearls.  Pearl Paradise offers information about Pearl Quality, Grading, Types, History, and Care.  In other words, you’ll find everything you ever wanted to know about pearls on the site.  The company is “the world’s largest online pearl company, specializing in providing affordable, high-quality, classic, elegant and stylish pearl jewelry designs at up to 80 percent below retail prices.”

When I opened the box, I was very impressed with their appearance.  They’re large enough to be seen when worn, but not so large that they’re gawdy. Pearls come in a variety of sizes from 6.0 mm to 10.0 mm, so the earrings I received are right in the middle.  Freshwater pearls come in a variety of colors including classic white, natural-color lavender, and pink.  I think I was most impressed with the earrings when I read the Certified Appraisal I received from the company.  The earrings I received retail for $46 on Pearl Paradise.  However, they were appraised at $215.00.  They were given the highest grading with regards to Luster, appraised to be 95% blemish free, and were given an overall rating of AAA.  So my eyes did not deceive me…they are gorgeous!

Along with the earrings (which were nicely displayed in a jewelry box) came a pearl care kit which includes two pearl sachets and a microfibre pearl cloth.  It also includes instructions on how to care for pearls.

There is so much more I could tell you about the company and their pearls.  But honestly you must visit the site.  I used to think that I couldn’t afford a nice set of pearls.  But honestly, you can find pearls for as little as $50 (earrings) to upwards of $10,000 (necklaces).  If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift, I highly recommend checking out Pearl Paradise!

Win It! One of you will win a set of pearl earrings (similar to the ones I received).  Simply leave me a comment with something you liked or learned on the site (other than what was mentioned in my review).  Comments will close on February 7, 2010 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

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I did not receive compensation for this post.  I did receive a product, courtesy of the company, in order to facilitate my review.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Kimberly.  Congrats!

We just barely took our Christmas tree down and now I’m talking about Valentine’s Day!  I am a hopeless romantic who adores chocolate, roses, and jewlery.  My husband does so much to let me know daily that he loves me, but every once and a while, it’s nice to get an actual gift from him.

Alex and Ani offers eco-friendly jewelry and is well known for their expandable bangles adorned with personal charms.  The founder named the company after her first two daughters (which I think is just lovely).  The entire line is created from recycled materials and most of the pieces are expandable (and therefore adjustable), which means they’ll fit most people.  The company uses a sliding mechanism as opposed to a traditional clasp.

I received the Crazy Love Expandable Wire Bangle, courtesy of the company.  I wasn’t sure how it would fit, given the expandable design.  You can “open” it to get it on and then it closes back down so it fits properly.   I like the fact that this isn’t particularly visible and doesn’t take away from the beauty of the bracelet.  This particular bracelet is available in Russian Silver or Rusian Gold (which I received).  You can wear it as a single bracelet or add additional bangles for a different look.

The site offers rings, necklaces, and earrings (many of which I’d LOVE to have hubby…ahem!), however, I am particularly fond of their bracelets.  The designs are unique and I think the quality warrants the prices on the site.

Alex and Ani also offer a Bangle Bar, which allows you to customize your own bracelet.  You can design a piece in any budget and include birthstones, initials, personal and sacred charms, and colorful vintage beads.  I know that Mother’s Day is far away, but I actually think this is a great gift idea for moms.

Pricing varies tremendously, however, you can find gorgeous pieces in a variety of price ranges to fit your needs.

*Update*  Right now you’ll save 10% off your order with the code “IC2010″ (case-sensitive, no quotes).

Win It! One of you will win a Love Expandable Wire Bangle Set (RV $108).  Simply leave me a comment with another piece from the site you’d like to have.  Comments will close on January 21, 2010 at 10 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

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I did not receive compensation for this post.  I did receive a product, courtesy of the company, in order to faciliate my review.

Diamonds are forever…at least that’s what they say!  But diamonds are expensive and I don’t have a lot of opportunities to go to situations where I’d need jewelry that fancy.  Jewelry, is a very personal gift…every woman has their preferences.  I, for one, prefer white gold and silver as opposed to yellow gold.  I like petite pieces, since I’m a relatively small person (when I’m not pregnant that is).  I also like colored stones that are ornate and distinct.

I was recently introduced to a gorgeous, fair-trade, sustainable, hand-made line of jewelry by Rebekah Green.  The line was “inspired by her love of clean, sophisticated design and features hundreds of variations on six unique design types of the highest quality offered at the most economical price points.”  Each piece is hand-cast, hand-set, and hand-polished.  Rebekah’s line features six unique earring design types including studs, leverback drops, dangling leverbacks, hoops, chandeliers, and children’s studs.

I received a pair of gorgeous yellow gold hoops with cubic zirconia and blue gemstone accents and a pair of kid’s Blue Belly Spider 14 K Yellow Gold studs.  Both pairs are elegant, dainty, and feminine (which is exactly how I like earrings) and they look great with casual and more formal attire. Versatility is key since jewelry is expensive and I don’t have a lot of it! I can’t wear heavy earrings for very long and I appreciate how lightweight they are.  I also like that they don’t detract away from other jewelry (i.e. necklaces, etc.).

I don’t wear a lot of “costume” jewelry because my skin is very sensitive and tends to react during wear time.  Because she uses gold, I found that my skin didn’t react while wearing the earrings (which is more common when I wear “fake” jewelry).

Rebekah Green uses 100 percent recycled 14K and 18K gold and fair trade gemstones throughout the entire line.  All of her designs are delicate and lightweight to ensure responsible use of natural resources.  She even goes so far as to ensure that product labeling is instantly biodegradable and plantable (now that’s green!).

Rebekah Green’s line of earrings include hoops, studs, chandeliers, and drops.  She even has a line for children.  You can customize the type of gold you’d like (white, yellow, rose), specify whether you’d like 14 or 18 K gold, and choose the size of the stones (cubic zirconia and fair trade gemstones).  Earrings are sold exclusively online and prices range from $20 to $200 (and up).

Right now, Rebekah Green is holding a voter-based jewelry design competition that will allow customers to upload their own design sketches for a chance to win the real thing. The designer whose design receives the most votes within a two-week period will win a free pair of his or her earring creations, and the winning design will be made available for purchase online (two winners will be named per month). Look for details on the site.

If you’re looking for a romantic, sustainable gift that will accent the beauty within you, check out Rebekah Green’s designs.

For more fabulous Holiday Gift Ideas, visit The Mommy-Files

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Marci.  Congrats!

We (meaning all three 0f us) were very blessed not to have suffered a lot when my son was teething.  He was such a happy, even-tempered baby that most of the time he just gnawed on his hand or a toy and drooled a ton.  For some babies, teething can cause a lot of misery.  I have heard my friends tell me stories of fevers and sleep disturbances and crying…lots and lots of crying.

I tried very hard not to let my son “teethe” on anything that wasn’t safe.  But you know how it is.  You’re out and about and you left the teether in the car… So anything and everything is fair game when you’re trying to make it to an appointment or finish grocery shopping.  Have you ever allowed your child to “teethe” on a bracelet or necklace?  I haven’t but I know that babies love playing with mommy’s jewelry and I think that teething jewelry is an innovative way to help ease the discomfort of teething.  Had I known about Smart Mom Jewelry I’d have made sure to have a piece on me when my son was going through the teething stage.  Here is a little more information about Smart Mom’s teething jewelry from the site:

Made from the same material as many teething toys, Teething Bling looks great on Moms, Grandmas, Aunts and Caregivers but is safe for curious babies to handle and chew. Teething Bling products are non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free and all pendants come with a breakaway clasp.

We received a couple of pendants to preview, courtesy of the company.  They’re flexible and colorful, and I imagine babies would very much be drawn to them.  They each come with a breakaway clasp so when (not if) your baby tugs on it, it won’t break or choke you. While I completely understand the need for the necklaces to be larger (so as not to pose a choking hazard), the jewelry is a little bigger than I am accustomed to wearing.  It’s a nice alternative to either not wearing any jewelry at all or risk having my child teethe on something unsafe.  It’s not to say that I wouldn’t or won’t wear it because I plan on using this with baby number 2. It’s just a thought I had, particularly since I’m a small person who tends not to wear larger pieces of jewelry.  I definitely plan on sharing more of my thoughts once we’ve had a chance to try this out with baby number 2.

My son is way beyond the teething stage, so we’re saving these for baby number 2.  The company also sells coordinating bangles and key chains.  I actually would love to buy a key chain since my son was fascinated with my keys.  Now that was something I had to make sure he didn’t try to teethe on.  Even today he likes to play with mommy and daddy’s keys.

Pendants retail for approximately $19 and can be purchased on the site.  They’re available in a multitude of colors and patterns.

Win It! One of you will win a teething pendant.  Simply head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back and leave me a comment with the color or pattern you’d choose.  Comments will close on August 22, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

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Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Place my button on your site. If you have difficulty, please let me know.

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When I was a little girl, my mother gave me a gold necklace with my name on it.  I still have that necklace, tucked away in my jewelry box for safekeeping since it was made for a child.  While I love to wear jewlery, it’s not often that I actually purchase pieces for myself.  I prefer to leave that to my husband!

I recently had an opportunity to review a necklace from BeautyName.  I chose my own name in the “Kayla” font with a snake chain in silver.  It’s gorgeous isn’t it?

Here is a little more information about the company:

Beautyname is the place where a name turns into a unique piece of jewelry. Our family-owned company has worked in the jewelry and gold-smith industry for over 35 years in Jerusalem, Israel. We offer a beautiful selection of handmade, personalized gold and silver jewelry, high in quality and craftsmanship.

The first thing I noticed when I received the necklace was that it came all the way from Jerusalem!  I absolutely adore products from other countries. The necklace is handmade, but you would not know this from looking at it because it’s so intricately designed.  The size of my name is perfect, not too big and gawdy, not too small to see.  The necklace is solid sterling silver and the chain can be ordered in one of three lengths (14″,16″, or 18″).  You can choose any name, up to 10 letters in a variety of fonts and the cost is just $25 plus shipping (which is very affordable, considering it’s coming from Jerusalem).

If I had a little girl, I’d get her one of these necklaces.  As a parent, I spend a lot of time researching and picking out my children’s names.  And it’s only when I see my child for the first time that I settle on the name that I believe fits.  BeautyName necklaces are a wonderful way to celebrate the significance of one’s name.  Be sure to check out the designer’s Etsy and Ebay shops.

Profuse thanks to the Family Review Network for this review opportunity.

There is something special and meaningful about a gift that has been personally hand-crafted.  If I’m looking for something unique…something different..something special that I can’t find anywhere…I’ll often check Etsy.  Here is where you’ll find artisans selling handmade items in over 30 categories!  What I really like about everything I’ve seen on Etsy, is that it doesn’t look handmade.  The quality of the items I’ve received is impeccable.  Etsy is like this undiscovered treasure!

I recently had an opportunity to work with Alia Bostaji, the designer behind ASAL Bijoux to design a gorgeous necklace which included the Love you and will always do pendant. The heart-shaped pendant is made of sterling silver wire and includes three   swarovski crystals in the colors of our birthstones (My husband, son, and mine).  The meaning behind this necklace is truly special to me and I love being able to keep the men in my life close to my heart!

Designer Alia Bostaji has always found that the most meaningful gifts are those that tell a story.  Alia Bostaji’ handmade jewelry and custom pieces feature quality crystals and stones.  Personalize it with your birthstone for a truly unique and memorable gift.

Jewelry is something that I love receiving, but don’t often purchase for myself.  I like simple, intricate pieces with meaning.  For example, our wedding rings were designed by our jeweler and engraved with personal messages.  Each piece of jewelry I own, has a memory attached to it…like the bracelet my father gave me when I graduated…and the necklace my husband gave me for Mother’s Day last year.

If you’re looking for a a truly memorable gift that will speak to that mom in your life, you might consider the Princess Charming Collection by Alli’s Originals. This mom-turned-artist started creating jewelry as a hobby nine years ago.  Her work  has evolved into personalized, hand-stamped pendants and unique casted charms.  I received a stunning piece from the Princess Charming Collection, personalized with my son’s name on it.  Here is a little more information about this unique collection from the site:

The Princess Charming Collection has become the latest trend in celebrating those special relationships in your life…..it’s about wearing your heart on your sleeve. Each piece is hand stamped to the customers specifications with names, dates of birth, anniversaries, spiritual words or phrases and symbols. Each character is stamped one at a time making each piece truly ONE OF A KIND. This collection is a wonderful way to show off your love, friendships, your children, grandchildren, your spirituality and personality.

There are so many choices and you can really design the necklace (or any piece for that matter) any way you want.  Think about that special mom in your life…  What does she like?  What is important to her?  What does she want close to her heart?  Alli’s designs help celebrate those special relationships in your life.

My necklace included the following three circle charms:  mom, love, joshua.  If we have another child, I can add a charm for him/her.  It also came with a blue heart Swarovski crystal (my favorite color) which really makes the piece stand out and was packaged in an adorable keepsake tin.  The materials used include quality sterling silver, Swarovski crystals,  and semi precious stones.  My necklace is elegant, feminine, and representative of my personality.

Pricing varies, be sure to note that those listed are in Canadian dollars (the exchange rate is currently in our favor).

My husband asked me what I want for Mother’s Day this year (which is what prompted my ideas for the Mother’s Day Gift Guide).  Jewelry is always something that’s on the top of my list, partly because I don’t buy it for myself.  Every woman has their preference but I’ve always liked silver and white gold over yellow gold.

I recently had an opportunity to review a piece from Joolwe’s Sterling Silver Jewelry collection, timed perfectly for Mother’s Day. Joolwe is a new online jewelry store offering customers “a myriad of jewelry in a wide array of metals and gemstones that are gorgeously designed at an affordable price.” I received the Silver Heart Pendant and Necklace, and despite the fact that it’s silver and cubic zirconia (as opposed to white gold and diamonds which I cannot afford), it’s gorgeous!  The silver is shiny and the jewels sparkle.  I like the subtle addition of the blue stones.  It sets the piece apart from traditional heart pendant necklaces.
Joolwe has the largest selection of jewelry I’ve seen in an online store offering an ensemble collection and unique accent pieces.  I’d actually really be interested in seeing some pieces from their Elle Jewelry Collection, an extension of Elle Magazine.  The company strives to provide quality pieces at affordable prices.  I’ve browsed around the jewelry section at Macy’s from time to time and you’d likely pay as much or more for similar quality pieces.  Right now you’ll save 30-60% off select items during their Mother’s Day Sale.  And…shipping is free!

If you’re interested in the latest Joolwe news, check out their Jewelry Blog.

Profuse thanks to Joolwe and the Family Review Network for a gorgeous Mother’s Day gift and this fantastic review opportunity!

This past Valentine’s Day, I received a GORGEOUS piece of jewelry (but it wasn’t from my husband!). I have to start by saying thank you to Nicole at Mom Fuse for coordinating this amazing review opportunity!

I know you’re wondering what I received…well here is a picture!

It is a beautiful bracelet designed by Sergio Gutierrez. Sergio is the very talented designer behind Liquid Metal Collection. An electronic engineer by trade, he researched ways of using ball chain to create a mesh-like fabric. It was through this research that he developed the basis for his Liquid Metal Mesh line of jewelry and accessories. But he didn’t stop there! He received a patent for creating a unique technique called Liquid Microchip. He fused electronic circuitry components with bronze and silver base mesh, precious metals, and semi-precious stones. How ingenious is that? Some of his past and present clients include Betsy Johnson, Nordstrom, Bebe, and Cache. His designs have been worn by many celebrities including Demi Moore, Cher, Fergie and Sharon Stone.

Here is a little more about the Liquid Roots collection (my bracelet was from this collection) from the site:

I received a bracelet from the Liquid Roots collection complete with Rubys! The design is very modern but the Ruby accents give it that vintage edge. Despite the fact that each piece is hand-crafted, the quality is superb. The piece is bold enough to complement evening attire but easily adaptable to everyday outfits (like the occasional but cherished date nights with hubby). His entire collection is uniquely artistic combining vibrant, trendy style with high quality craftsmanship. Some of his designs now include the use of Swarovski Crystals.

Sergio has a growing concern for environmental issues and uses recycled computer parts to create some of the materials for his collection.

You can find pieces from the Liquid Metal Collection at the W and MGM Mirage hotels and at select Something Silver stores nationwide.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Dierdra Byrd.  Congratulations!

I’m a Southern California girl and last year the “hands-free” law went into effect sending us all out to purchase bluetooths!  I’m already on my second bluetooth in the span of a year!  That is because my first one was destroyed in this purse (I’m being vulnerable here!):

A bluetooth is a fabulous device…and one that I’ve lost too many times to keep track of.  It’s fallen into the black hole that is my purse, under the seat, under the couch, behind the dresser and in my son’s toy box (toddlers love playing with everything they’re not supposed to).  Thanks to A Cord On Blue, I have a beautiful piece of jewelry and a place for my bluetooth!

Julie Echols is the innovative designer behind the trendy new line of jewelry for your earpiece.  Her background and experience in fashion design led her to create a solution for the long, lost bluetooth!  I received the Frosted leash which features frosted glass beads and an oblong/oval chain.  It’s well-crafted and I feel so trendy wearing it!

Julie combines fashion, function, flair, and fun with her leashes and neckleashes. You can attach A Cord on Blue to your shirt, purse, or anywhere else you’d like to keep it handy.  She has created over forty different designs (from casual to dressy) that you can choose from.  Her leashes and neckleashes include a variety of beads, shells, high-quality crystals, and faux pearls.  You chan choose from fashion chains or silken cords in a variety of colors and sizes.  What’s great about A Cord on Blue is that when you remove your earpiece, you have a piece of jewelry!  Her entire product line is handcrafted in the USA. Prices range from $30-50 and you can purchase pieces directly from the site.

Win It!  One of you will win a leash of your choice (not including the neckleashes).  Head on over to the site and take a look around.  Come back here and leave me a comment with your favorite (if it truly is Frosted, tell me another favorite).  Comments will close on February 18, 2009 at 10 pm PST.  One comment per person, please. US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed.

Blog about this giveaway.  It doesn’t have to be a separate post.  Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Place my button on your site.  If you have difficulty, please let me know.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc.  Just let me know what you did in the comments!

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