Before it makes its way to a piece of jewelry, the quartz crystal first must be chipped away from any other rock, shaped and polished. Many think of quartz only as a transparent colorless stone, as in these whimsical Cartwheel Earrings from the studio of Freshie and Zero. (Don’t keep it secret: Freshie and Zero is on the sale page!)

Colored quartz, which you can see in multi-color quartz earrings by Judy Bliss is also widely known for its sparkle and beauty in a rainbow of color. Rose quartz has a whole array of shades of pink. The intricate and delicate earrings with a rose quartz drop, are hand crafted by Carson Stately. Citrine or yellow shades are skillfully displayed in these simple lemon quartz crystal drop earrings and this necklace by Miller Canning, which she calls a Lemon-lime Beer Quartz Pendant, with other shades of quartz accenting the necklace. Amethyst is a form of quartz often associated with shades of purple, like Carol Lipworth’s stunning asymmetrical necklace of faceted amethyst, but there are other shades of amethyst as well, like these green amethyst earrings, handcrafted by Phillippa Roberts,smoky quartz, in grey and brown tones, like the brown quartz pendant, accented by rubies, garnets, and sapphires, in this stunning necklace from Urban Links Designs. Laura Jackson has created a cocktail ring of smokey quartz that is simple yet compelling.

Rutilated quartz is a variety of the gemstone that features streaks of color deep within the stone. Rutile is a mineral, mostly titanium, that can be seen within varieties of quartz. Because of the ways it disperses in quartz, it is almost always seen as long thin shots of color within the stone. Laura Jackson, of Laura J Designs, has created many pieces featuring rutilated quartz, like this oval pendant necklace.

Whether you are dressing for the office or errands, a gala or a backyard barbecue, you are sure to find a piece of jewelry featuring a stone from the quartz family to enhance your skin tone and your outfit. You are sure to sparkle as much as these lovely gemstones.

When you look for timeless, classic jewelry…those pieces that never go out of style….pearls and diamonds are good places to start. The handmade five strand champagne pearl bracelet with sparkly accents is perfection, handcrafted in the artisan studio of Carol Lipworth. (Enjoy 20% off Carol Lipworth’s designs at Artisan Design Gallery! Quick, while it lasts!) This equisite Wisteria white pearl necklace with crystal enhancer, is classically beautiful and always flattering to any neckline. The enhancer may be removed, the pearls worn alone, and the pendant can be worn on another silver necklace. Handmade in the New York City studio of Echo of the Dreamer, it’s like three pieces in one! Jewelry artist Adel Chefridi has created exquisite earrings of sterling silver, sparkling with diamond accents.

How about some jewelry that is handmade, eye-catching and right on trend, for the OH-SO-Stylish lady on your list? Layered necklaces are so stylish, and it’s an easy style to wear, when the layers are all one piece, like the beautiful necklace of blue stones and vermeil spacers from the designers at Urban Links. Cocktail rings are a must for the stylish girl about town! Artisan Suzy Landa’s exquisite 18k gold ring set with pink tourmaline and diamond accents is elegant and eye-catching. Earrings complement so many outfits – these classic and stylish earrings from Connie Bates of Fahrenheit NY are the perfect choice for any stylish woman!

You may be shopping for a woman who isn’t tied to one style – you may want those pieces that go with anything and everything. Simple and elegant coin pearl earrings with vermeil accents from jewelry artisan Judy Bliss fit the bill for “go-with-anything” in every way. Sarah Cavender, known for her unique work with metals, has created some beautiful braided mesh bracelets that are perfect for any occasion. This simple but intricately detailed cross on a four strand necklace, by Michal Golan, is the perfect accent for any outfit, from jeans to work to dinner out!

Gold jewelry is available in different shades to flatter any skin tone. A popular and common color for jewelry worldwide and across the ages is yellow gold, with its rich warm glow. Jewelry artisan Adel Chefridi has created beautiful pieces using gold and precious stones, like the Heaven on Earth pendant, with diamonds and sapphires set in 18kt gold and the gorgeous ruby hoop earrings, also in 18kt gold. Also exquisite in yellow gold is the delicate 14kt gold pendant with diamond briolettes, from Just Jules Jewelry artist, Julie Romanenko. White gold, created when silver is mixed with gold, is very current. Suzy Landa has created some stunning pieces using gold – the aquamarine cabochon, set in white gold with diamond accents is a stunning cocktail ring. We love the one-of-a-kind earrings, green beryl set in white gold. Warm rose gold, which has a pink tint, created when gold is mixed with copper. Jewelry artist Suzy Landa‘s pear shape canary beryl in double hoops of lustrous rose gold. In any case, all of these are true gold and will bring out the glow in your skin!

When you look at a piece of jewelry at Artisan Design Gallery, gold karatage is noted, when the artist has used gold of 10 – 18kt. Other processes provide jewelry with a gold finish, including very popular vermeil, or gold filled jewelry.

Whatever you choose, white gold, rose gold or yellow gold, you will be choosing the most treasured metal around the world and throughout history. Have fun!

For example, in an email to my husband I might be tempted to say “I really love THIS necklace which is a lovely handmade layered necklace from jewelry artisan Andrea Barnett. Actually, I love everything from Andrea Barnett, so feel free to just LOOK, because I am sending all the links.” P.S. It’s easy to buy on-line.

Or, for the graduate student in my life, a bargain sleuth herself…”Hey, look what I found ON SALE – I love these aqua apatite earrings from Freshie and Zero. In fact, you might find something we might give YOU, so look through ALL the beautiful pieces, especially the ones on the sale page Love you – happy shopping!” All links enclosed.

This, for my own sweet son, who takes delight in the quick and easy transaction: “Hi, take a look at this pair of beautiful earrings, because I love the mesh, and the fact that jewelry artist Sarah Cavender uses interesting shapes and materials, and works in her own design studio in Alabama, and I feel sure that you, dear son, will love them as much as I do.” P.S., might find something for your girlfriend while shopping, but don’t accidentally make it a ring! Links included!

And as long as I’m shopping, I would love to right now buy this exquisite polished opaque aquamarine bracelet from the very popular jewelry artist Phillippa Roberts, for my mother. For my mother-in law, I might choose a brilliant enamel and Swarovski crystal cocktail ring from international jewelry artisan Michal Golan born in Israel, based in New York.

Or “Hey, family, just check out Artisan Design Gallery on Pinterest. Lots of good clues there as to what I like. What I like A LOT. Hugs and Kisses”

THEN….when I accidently WEAR the gifts I purchase for the mothers, I will be back to order something else fabulous. Be sure to include the links. I love to include links in emails.

Just sayin’.

Vermeil is a French term that refers to a process in which gold is mixed other precious metal alloys, and then a higher caratage (10k, 12k, 14k, 18k) of gold is plated, by fire guilding or electrolysis, to give the jewelry (or other items, such as flatware) the golden look. All the beauty of gold, lower cost, and because it is not as soft as higher carat gold, does not show every little nick that comes its way. Cynthia Bloom (hint – sale right now on Cynthia Bloom pieces – 15% off for a limited time) uses a vermeil chain and setting for these ocean blue crystals. So sparkly!

The base (underneath the gold) of the piece is often sterling silver, with a coating or plating of 10-14 carat gold, at least 2.5 microns thick, over the top. This process is also known as gilding or plating. The process is called gold plating when the gold is placed over the base metal and rolled into a cylinder. This beautiful turquoise cuff bracelet, from Andrea Justine Stratton is the perfect example of gold plating.

Often designers mix the metals used, as in this stunning necklace from the designers at Urban Links. What a stunning example of gold fill, 14k gold along with other metals and a variety of stones to create sheer beauty!

Whatever you choose, gold jewelry of all types and tints are beautiful treasures that you will enjoy wearing!

Ayala Bar has beautiful cross necklaces in her collections. Whether you like the bright colors of the Paradiso Cross, or the Cloudy Sky cross, the delicacy of the Baby’s Breath cross or the use of shades of blue in the Mermaid’s Tail cross, you are sure to find a fun and versatile cross necklace to bring spring to many outfits. For you ladies who like your jewelry to match -or ‘go together’ – Ayala Bar has lots of earrings to “go with” so don’t miss those.

Jewelry artisan Andrea Barnett uses intricately designed brass crosses and other medals in many designs. Whether it’s a bronze cross on silver seed bead chain, layers of strands of intricate beads, pearls and crosses, or this beauty that combines a stamped bronze cross on a striking onyx cross, you are sure to find something new yet classic to add a spark this spring and all year round. If you are a girl who likes to wearing coordinating jewelry, Andrea Barnett’s collection has earrings and bracelets with this same motif!

Freshie and Zero have a series of very simple cross necklaces of hand hammered silver, with stone accents in several colors. They have a touch of color combined with the simple elegance of a cross pendant. You’ll find Freshie and Zero silver earrings with similar stones as well, and necklaces to layer, if you like that look. Bonus – Freshie and Zero items here are on sale, so act quickly!

You may be shopping for yourself – always a great idea, by the way – or a gift for a friend at Easter, first communion,
graduation, or just add a spark to your jewelry wardrobe. (Please don’t forget to check out Artisan Design Gallery on Pinterest - one of the things you’ll find there are lots and lots of ways people have come up with to organize jewelry and accessories! You’ll find lots of great ideas there!

Like a classic strand of pearls, a lady can never go wrong with a cross, whatever her style!

She loves to use antique style buttons to craft some beautiful necklaces and rings. She has created a beautiful necklace with a baroque style pendant, accented with freshwater pearls and antique Czech glass beads. Beautiful freshwater pearls and rare Czech glass beads in double strand style, as well as in wrap style necklace Her beautiful use of rare Austrian Swarovski crystal illuminates this blue pendant necklace (also available with bronze crystals) and beautiful earrings.

Labradorite is a gemstone that brings forth a delightful array of colors, like these exquisite earrings as well as this triple drop necklace

Don’t forget pearls – Cynthia doesn’t! These Bellissima earrings of Japanese freshwater pearls and Austrian Swarovski crystals are breathtaking, as are these creme colored pearl earrings with champagne crystal accents!

15% off the Cynthia Bloom Collection - don’t wait!!!

We’ll be wearing GREEN in the form of jewelry – and there is plenty of beautiful jewelry with green stones to choose from.
Emerald, in Urban Links’ beautiful pendant necklace, is the most well known green stone, along with peridot, in these gorgeous earrings from Suzy Landa. Lots of stones have surprising green forms.

Make a statement with these pieces! This showstopping necklace from artisan Miller Canning is made of chunks of Green Garnet and Green Amethyst. Connie Bates, of Fahrenheit NY brings us this stunning necklace of gold tone links and a chunky sage green stone.

Judy Bliss‘s lariat necklace of Green amethyst is exquisite, along with another necklace of Green amethyst paired with pink amethyst: there are earrings to coordinate as well.

Want to put a ring on it? How about Adel Chefridi’s green tourmaline ring set in 18k gold? From Phillippa Roberts’ studio, a beautifully simple pendant of green amethyst on vermeil chain, will speak of the Irish in you!

Bright green? How about these beautiful bright green onyx earrings with pearl accents, from Caroline Pate? A lovely glass and enamel “Skye” bracelet from Echo of the Dreamer in shades of green and blue will do the trick.

Absolutely don’t miss this gorgeous necklace from Andrea Barnett of moss aqua, smokey quartz and bronze pearls on golden links to get your green on. Beautiful Jade green dangle earrings from the artisan jewelry studio of Angel Court Designs make a bold showing on St. Patrick’s day and year-round.

Whatever you choose – and green stones are plentiful on the pages of Artisan Design Gallery- be sure you are wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day and all spring!

The Mardi Gras Necklace from the studio of Connie Bates, Fahrenheit New York, is an obvious place to start! Another stunning piece is the confetti bracelet from Patti Quinn, Radiant Art Glass. It’s so much fun to wear!

Andrea Barnett has the beautifully designed and crafted pieces that reflect the essence of Mardi Gras – though the coins are coin pearls, in these lovely earrings, a coin pear suspended from the gold vermeil fleur de lis, long a symbol of New Orleans. What beautiful coin pearls and beads in Andrea’s beautiful necklace, and the lovely stones on golden links that is so hot! Let’s hope these pretties aren’t thrown to the street!

Angel Court has beads and pearls entertained that have a vintage look that reminds us of the beauty of old New Orleans at Carnival time.

Laissez les bons temps rouler – “Let the good times roll!” and pick up some fabulous jewelry to celebrate carnival, wherever you are.

Part 2 of this is that you may well have a special evening planned, and need a new piece of bling to make your outfit more than special. Let’s just say, Valentine’s is a night to go BIG or go home. Jewelry artist Margaret Thurman of the Echo of the Dreamer Studio has created this statement necklace, and it will enhance any neckline! Also from Echo of the Dreamer, the gorgeous Blue Moon cocktail Ring. The Day of Love is the day to make a statement.

Part 3 of this is that there is plenty here for the gentlemen in your life – your main man, your adult son, your father, uncle… We’ve got beautiful glass – like Tom Stoenner’s Wine Cups. A beautiful handcrafted paperweight will add some class to his desk, this one is by glass artist Tom Fuhrman. Any wine lover will be delighted to use this beautiful wine stopper also from Tom Fuhrman’s studios. Be bold in shopping for the man in your life! Let someone else may give him cologne or a wallet or a tie. Go with beautiful glass – the blue bowl from Viz Glass is a collector’s dream.

So…that makes it 100% !!! 100% of you are looking for something and this is the time to order it. Because seriously, it’s less than a week away. So, don’t look like you forgot and ran to the grocery for a heart shaped cookie. Well, do that if you have to….but shop now, ’cause lots of this stuff is on sale – handmade, artisan designed, unique!