This week's STYLE LAB is a quick and easy ensemble straight out of Palm Springs, or how I would dress if I were attending a party there... 

Fun purchase for my son.  Trilobite fossil that is hundreds of millions of years old! I ALMOST didn't purchase this because I did not like the seller's dismissive attitude, but in the end I am glad I did.

Tucson was a fast paced thrilling gem hunt.  I arrived in the desert having no expectations of what the week would bring.  Motels converted into gem shops, tent after tent of mineral, overwhelmed and exausted because treasure is hidden in every single one.  Coming this far, you leave no stone unturned. 

I was warned about dancing the Tucson Tango, it's easy to get thrown off beat.  In order to stay within the rhythm of my collection, I had to leave some things behind.  For me, this also includes with whom I spend my time, and do business with.  Good energy carries all the way through to the finished piece, and into the lives of my collectors.  I am careful in every selection I make. 

I left Tucson feeling whole and enriched.  Gemstones from around the world in their various forms are inspiring, but I found my true inspiration within the souls of the people I had the pleasure of spending time with.  This is why we do what we do : Jewelry remains the most powerful tool of expression and connection to our memories, milestones, loss and success.  I was honored to be privy to so many wonderful stories, and to share my own. 

It was a magical trip of bonding, education, friendship, laughter, and passion, so when the music stopped and I packed up my dancing shoes, well, the Tucson withdrawal was real.      

I bought some stones.  I shopped for my collectors.  I brought home specimens for my kids. 

Tucson, you were so good to me, and I'll see you next year.  This is part one. 

Enjoy these pictures from my trip, with different images and videos on Facebook and Instagram where I posted every day, sharing the story of my week long gem adventure, as it was happening!  I also sent out an email blast prior to hitting the desert, so go sign up for my newsletters - you don't want to miss a thing!

A star sapphire ruby, the ice breaker purchase, for my daughter.  I had one as a child, but blue.

Hundreds of quartz specimens in a motel room.

Fist full of "fools gold" otherwise knows as Pyrite

My sparkly sneakers, which got a lot of attention.  Who knew?!

More gems....

Hard to focus on what's in front of you ;)

Bought this little Old European Cut, faces up very white for a K.  Gorgeous.

Amazing specimen!!! Didn't buy, but probably should have.  Hope it went to a great home.

Couldn't resist dipping my hand into a pool of Apatite!

Sapphire reverse trapiche, rare!

Sharks teeth

In my hand, for scale

Became obsessed with this matched pair of Old European Cuts for my 40th birthday. 4cts of awesomeness, but who do I think I am???

In the meantime, please don't forget to join the many others that have submitted their story to win $1,000.00 in jewelry to adorn your legacy!  I already had one very excited winner, and the next could be you!  Read all the details here, or on the website, or by using the sidebar graphic to the right and/or below.  See, I don't want you to miss out on this great collecting opportunity!  Plus, I really love to read your stories...

ALEXIS KLETJIAN ONE-OF-A-KIND BESPOKE PHENAKITE RING IN 22K

My capsule collection of Bespoke rings is now live on the website.  I have been working on this collection quietly (or not so) for a little over two years while I collected rare stones, and my thoughts.  
Each ring takes a considerable amount of time to create since it begins with the rough gemstone material, sourced around the globe.  Once the mineral is carefully selected, and then faceted into precision by my friend, Jean-Noel of Top Notch Faceting, it is up to me to design a setting and/or choose accompanying stones to enhance the beauty that he has brought forth.  

I am overly concerned with the proper treatment for each stone, the longevity of its style, and the place it will hold in your life.  A wise man once told me : "The joy in each creation does not belong to you, it is for the lucky person who finds your creations and adds it to their life."

For this reason, I do hope you enjoy Bespoke.  There is more to come. 

With a background in fashion, I have been looking forward to styling my jewelry for quite some time. This is a taste of what the new series STYLE LAB will encompass.  Fashion first, accessorize second. This is way the best outfits are styled. If your jewelry is your signature style, it will work with whatever you are wearing, but since my fine jewelry collection is my specific vision, I will show you how it is meant to be worn and all the ways you can wear it, in style.

Fall is upon us, so the mini skirts and off-the-shoulder-shirt days are numbered in New England, but this is a wear now/wear later outfit (come Spring) and can easily be weather proof, if need be.  Just add a scarf, faux vest, and tights - and your good to go!

Necklaces can be worn day and night, no matter the season. Outside your clothes, or next to your skin, our yellow gold Lucky Star shield in tanzanite is the perfect way to attract a little luck into your life ;)

For the wrist I chose our cult favorite gold bangles, of course.  If I were a piece of jewelry, I'd be a bangle.
Your ears should never be naked, so a simple stud is the perfect dress up/dress down choice. Our yellow gold Lucky Star everyday studs in tanzanite brightens up the gray tones for just a subtle pop of color!  If you love these, they are made in many gemstones - just ask!


Oh right, the clothes? It's : Tibi Off-the-Shoulder Wool Top, Claire V. clutch, Isabel Marant mini skirt and boots are Steve Madden.  I don't monetize this space with affiliate advertising, so you can search for these brands or swap out these looks for something in YOUR closet!

Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Ballerina in Turquoise, Ruby and Diamond

I am only going to discuss Turquoise right now, which is also my daughters birthstone, but fear not - I will address the beautiful Zircon in the near future.  I have a special collaboration I am currently working on featuring the Zircon which I will reveal late Spring.

Turquoise is one of the world's most ancient gems; man's knowledge of Turquoise and appreciation is very old.  Archaeological excavations revealed that the rulers of ancient Egypt adorned themselves in Turquoise.  The Turquoise jewelry found in ancient Egyptian tombs is amongst the world's oldest jewelry.  For seventy five hundred years, four Turquoise and gold bracelets encircled the arm of the mummy of Queen Zer and is believed to be the oldest piece of Turquoise discovered, dating around 5500 BC.

Ancient Egyptians once referred to turquoise as "mefkat" which translates to "joy" and "delight".  Turquoise has continued to delight our ancestors and has inspired modern day jewelry designers with it's plentiful supply fashioned into beads, cabochons, unique free form creations and intricate inlays set beautifully in silver and gold.  Turquoise is one of the only gemstones (second to the diamond) to flatter all complexions.

Although Turquoise may lack the sparkle and clarity (of the big three) transparent colored gemstones such as Emerald, Ruby and Sapphire, Turquoise has a multi-layered history and soul-satisfying color that makes it a desirable gem nonetheless. People value turquoise for its combination of ancient heritage and unforgettable color - a reminder of beautiful, clear blue skies that requires no explanation or education to appreciate.  

Turquoise is a relatively soft material and ideal for carving.  Chinese artisans were carving the material more than 3,000 years ago!  Although well known to consumers with it's place marked in history, Turquoise's popularity comes and goes. Turquoise enjoys it's biggest and most permanent popularity in the American Southwest. Turquoise is often used as a medium for carved jewelry and art objects, fashioned into talismans with Native American significance, such as bird and animal carvings, called fetishes.  

Turquoise was a once a ceremonial gem, used in amulets and as a medium of exchange for Native American tribes in the Southwestern US. Turquoise is also the national gem of Tibet and has long been considered a stone that guarantees health, good fortune, and protection from evil. Turquoise is also legened to balance while aligning chakras, stabilizing mood swings and instilling inner calm.

Enjoy your birthstone.  May it bring you all of these qualities and more.

Art Deco Citrine Ring, Image courtesy of 1stdibs

The quartz variety of gemstones has been used in in jewelry for thousands of years; Citrine can be found in many antique settings as well as a mainstay in our modern jewelry trends.  Citrine is a transparent yellow variety of quartz and comes in the happy colors of citrus fruits.   In fact, Citrine's name is derived from the French word “citron,” which translates to “lemon.” Citrine’s colors range from pale to saturated yellow hues and even a deep reddish-orange.  Citrine has an attractive sunny coloring and enjoys the affordability and durability of most other gemstones in the quartz family.    

Citrine is widely available, offered in many shapes and sizes, however, natural citrine is rare.  Most of the Citrine found on the market has undergone a stable and trade accepted heat treatment.  An undesirable pale Amethyst quartz may undergo a change in color with heat treatment and become an attractive yellow Citrine quartz. The original hue of Amethyst prior to heat treatment is what will determine Citrine's ultimate color.

Carrying the powers of the sun, Citrine is said to be warm and comforting. Citrine is also believed to encourage fresh beginnings, creativity, imagination, and manifestation by stimulating and clearing the mind while bringing your soul into action!  

Enjoy your birthstone.  May it bring you all of these qualities and more.

Paraiba Tourmaline Ring.  Photo Credit: 1st Dibs

Faceted Tourmaline Gemstones.  Photo credit : GIA

Watermelon Tourmaline Slices

20th Century Opal and Diamond "Lucky" Horseshoe Brooch

Since there is much information to cover on each birthstone, I will discuss each gemstone in separate posts.  Each are deserving of their own turn in the spotlight.  Since Opal is the hot gemstone of the moment, I am starting with it.

When I was a child, I had a beautiful Opal pendant.  Although I cannot remember the details of its setting and accompanying stones, what I do remember is the rumored tale of the unlucky Opal, along with the delicate nature of the stone.  The unlucky tale bewildered me, this curse of the unlucky and delicately fragile Opal which I completely swore off, and I'm not the only one. So how did Opals gain a bad reputation with such diverse and beautiful features?  

Star Sapphire, image courtesy of GIA