Just Ask Leslie: Jewelry Tips

While rubies are today considered the primary July birthstone, they once shared this honor with onyx. Onyx comes in a range of colors, but is most celebrated for the pure, inky black variety. You can give this beautiful stone this July in these elegant onyx and white gold earrings. Three marquise-cut pieces of onyx in graduated sizes hang in simple white gold settings from a secure clasp. This is a wonderfully dramatic piece and an excellent gift - and affordable at only $115!

July’s birthstone is the ruby. You may be surprised to know that a ruby is made of the same mineral as a sapphire: red or pink examples of this mineral, called corundum, are rubies; all other colors are sapphires. If you’re shopping for a July birthday, consider this beautiful ruby and diamond gold pendant. Three vibrant red rubies are separated by diamonds and set in a regal 14-karat gold setting. This piece also comes with its own chain. This is a wonderful gift for any woman in your life, and a great buy at only $195!

Like a garden full of summer flowers, this 2 1/2 Carat Multi Gemstone Sterling Silver Journey Pendant and matching chain is simply stunning. This festive pendant has an enchanting array of bright colored gemstones. Set in lustrous sterling silver, this charming piece is perfect for warm summer weather and can be worn day or evening. It’s the perfect piece of jewelry to take on vacation because it will match just about anything! At just $50 it’s easy on any budget.

No gem is more exotic and steeped in history than jade. Jade is one of the longest-used ornamental stones in the world, with an especially long tradition in China and New Zealand. Jade has a particular translucent luster and richness of color that is unmistakable and arresting. One of the best ways to showpiece the beauty and variety of jade is in this green, yellow, and red jade gold bracelet. Polished pieces of red, yellow, and green jade alternate around the bracelet in an attractive and simple 14-karat gold setting that lets the jade speak for itself! This is a bold piece that begs to be shown off, and a real bargain at $395!

Few stones are more striking than black diamonds. They’re beautiful, unusual, and work wonderfully on their own or as accents to other stones. Two round-cut diamonds are set next to a vivid, trillion-cut blue tanzanite in this chic white gold ring. This contemporary and attractive setting shows these beautiful stones off to their best advantage. This is a lovely piece to add a touch of extra sparkle and glamor to an evening outfit - buy it today for just $295!

Dear Leslie,

Vicki in Dallas

Dear Vicki,

Any good piece of jewelry is great for home or away, but if you’re looking for something with extra style for your summer getaway, check out this triangular link sterling silver necklace. Triangular links of sterling silver alternate with small round silver beads in this bold, glamorous necklace. The amazing luster of sterling silver and the clean, unique design of this necklace are sure to make you stand out on your holiday getaway - but at only $175, won’t cut into your travel budget!

Pearls are the perfect jewels for summer. They remind people of the sea, capture light beautiful, and come in a dazzling array of gorgeous colors. This elegant chocolate pearl and pink gold pendant with chain is the perfect way to wear a pearl this summer. A cultured Tahitian chocolate pearl nests in a dramatic swoop of 14-carat pink gold. The pink gold and chocolate pearl complement each other wonderfully, and the pendant comes with its own 17-inch matching chain. This is a wonderful piece that will add vibrancy and color to any summer jewelry box. Show it off today for just $195!

Dear Leslie,

Adam in Lafayette

Dear Adam,

No gift is more romantic than a locket! Not only can you give your wife a beautiful piece of jewelry, you can also give her a photograph of yourself to keep with her and cherish. This beautiful citrine, diamond, and pearl 14-karat yellow gold pendant is just the ticket. This locket is beautifully wrought in white gold, citrine, and diamond, while the attached chain featured luminous white freshwater pearls. The front of locket says “I Love You” in tasteful script. Give it today for just $295.

Dear Leslie,

Molly in SC

Nature inspired jewelry is always in fashion. In the summer it’s fun to wear jewelry that is light and breezy or makes us think of upcoming vacations! This 18K Gold Over Sterling Silver Starfish Pin is just the thing! At $65 it’s a great bargain. This pin features a starfish - a symbol of good luck. The pin is simply delightful and perfect for any beach lover. Beautifully rendered in luminous 18K yellow gold over sterling silver, this versatile piece can be worn any time.

Dear Leslie,

Betsy in VT

Perfect for the beach, these $50 Sterling Silver Swirl Earrings remind me of ocean waves or spiral seashells. These earrings are all you need to take on vacation. A simple pair of sterling silver earrings is an essential for any jewelry wardrobe. Elegant and beautifully designed, this contemporary pair of silver swirls can easily be worn for any occasion and catch the light beautifully. They’ll work well on any seaside adventure.

As all my readers know, I’m always on the lookout for jewelry made out of new and unusual materials. Today, I was thrilled to find a necklace made of wood. This elegant rosewood and sterling sliver pendant is a beautiful piece. Richly hued and textured rosewood is oval-cut and placed into a cool, classic sterling silver setting. This is a great piece for an evening event where you feel free to show off some individual style and flair. This chic, exotic pendant is yours today for only $85.

I love blue topaz for a summer look. The beautiful clear hue reminds me of the sky and sea, and it’s pale enough in color to match lighter summer wardrobes. These gorgeous blue topaz and diamond white gold earrings are a beautiful way to wear this versatile stone. Each earring hold a cushion-cut blue topaz - of more than five carats! - and a sparkling accent diamond in a simple, elegant prong setting. This is a fun and lively addition to your summer jewelry wardrobe, and an absolute steal at only $195!

Summer is now in full swing, and it’s time to start shopping for summer jewelry! Summer is the perfect time to experience with new looks and bold colors. Every summer, I try to experiment with a jewelry look I wouldn’t ordinarily choose, just to keep fresh. A great, fresh piece for the summer season is this fancy cut blue topaz and tiger eye gold bracelet. Polished yellow links connect alternating sky-blue topaz and exotic tiger eye, creating a bright and varied look that will add flash and verve to casual summer outfits. A great buy at only $225 - and shipping is free!

There is no better gift for a June bride than a 1 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Journey Pendant. The Journey Collection features diamonds that graduate from smaller to larger representing the way love grows over time. This oval pendant features 14K white gold and 24 sparkling diamonds for just $995. This pendant will look great with a wedding gown and then throughout the year.

Dear Leslie,

Rob in CA
Love is a journey you take that grows and changes over time. The diamonds in our Journey collection graduate, from 0.06 to 1/3 carat. Each diamond representing something special along you’re path together. This 1 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Journey Pendant and Chain is the perfect anniversary gift. It is stylish and sentimental. She’ll love it!

Like probably every woman in the country, if not the world, I can’t wait for the “Sex and the City” premiere this weekend! I’m very excited to see the new jewelry the designers have created for the film. And when I go to the movie opening weekend, I plan to be wearing these glamorous and exciting gold over sterling silver and faux pearl earrings. They’re a fun and fabulous look that I think fit great in with the style of the show. Best of all, at only $140, they don’t require a Hollywood budget!

For all of you June brides, I have the perfect set of wedding accessory jewelry for you. As you know, pearls are the classic accessory for weddings. Their soft femininity is romantic and elegant - perfect for a wedding.

This 14kt 5-6 mm Cultured Freshwater Pearls 2 Piece Set for just $65 is the perfect accessory set for any wedding dress. They’d also make a great bridesmaid gift. This set is versatile - 5-6 mm lustrous round cultured freshwater pearl set consists of a necklace, and earrings. It perfectly enhances any wardrobe.

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for a May or June bride, look no further. This 2 3/4 Carat Sapphire and Diamond 10K White Gold Bracelet is the perfect gift for the spring or summer bride. This regal and glamorous bracelet features deep blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds that are just exquisite. The brilliant stones of the piece are set in lustrous white gold and dazzle with eye-catching movement. The perfect accessory for an elegant affair and a memorable gift for any bride.

I think that I have found the most versatile piece of jewelry ever created. This 10 3/4 Carat Multi-Gemstone Sterling Silver Necklace will work with any outfit! It’s available at the bargain basement price of just $165 for a heap of gemstones. There is citrine, peridot, amethyst, sky blue topaz, and garnet in this beautiful and unique necklace. It’s perfect for summer because it’s practically an enchanting garden of bright colored gemstones. Designed in sterling silver, this charming piece is perfect for warm summer weather and can be worn day or evening.

Celebrate Gemini birthdays with this beautiful fourteen karat white gold and diamond pendant. The traditional Gemini zodiac glyph is delicately rendered in white gold with a dazzling diamond accent. According to astrologers, people born under the sign of Gemini are witty, experimental, and enthusiastic. Make your special Gemini’s birthday really shine with this pendant for only $150!