Jenny Sanford is smart, rich and classy. A Georgetown grad and former VP of mergers and acquisitions for an investment bank, this mother of four boys had it all. Including a husband who chose politics with little notice, a husband who she supported by running his campaigns and being his advisor, a husband who very publically cheated on her.

I’ve loved amethysts and in particular amethyst rings, ever since I was a little girl and my grandmother brought me back an enormous multi-carat deep purple rock from her exoctic far eastern travels.

As with so many people today, Edwidge Danticat is waiting to hear news about her family members living in Haiti. She knows some of them are alive but has yet to hear from others. My heart goes out to her, and to everyone in her situation.

Remember the sixties? Peace, love and scarab beetle pendants. Maybe not, but if you missed out then, you have a second chance now. And if you do remember, this wonderful sterling silver scarab beetle pendant is a lovely bit of nostalgia.

It felt important to start the New Year off honoring a woman that represents change and rebirth. Who better than Madonna? A cat may have 9 lives but Madonna’s repertoire seems unlimited. Each time you think she is down for the count, she comes back different, shiny new and better than ever.

January babies can start the New Year off right, with their own sparkling garnet gemstone. Along with a new year bringing the hopes of a new beginning, garnets bring their own fairy tales and special powers.

Clearly, garnets have more to offer than just beauty. And Delamina has the perfect ring, earrings and pendant that can be the first additions to your jewelry box for 2010.

As 2009 draws to a close, I look back on the year and think of all the hours I have ’spent’ with my Delamina women. Many evenings after long days at work, and many weekends indoors, spent at my computer, seeking out women that I wanted to celebrate.

If the search for that dazzling Prince Charming has been more than disappointing, and your Fairy Godmother has yet to wave her magic wand, you can finally stop waiting in anticipation. Today, more than ever, women are buying their own diamonds in the form of the right hand ring.

The sale of rough diamonds has long funded conflict and military action in areas controlled by factions opposing legitimate or internationally recognized governments in Africa. These conflicts are brutal and inhumane, they cost thousands of lives not to mention countless limbs, and they can continue indefinitely given enough funding, given enough people willing to purchase diamonds from these sources.

And glide she does. We’ve all watched Sandra Bullock entertain us with steady consistency over the past couple of decades. She has played all types of roles, she seems to have no limits, yet we always recognize ‘her’. And we like her. No fake boobs, no collagen lips - just her natural, girl next door self. She carries on as if she were not among the top ten highest paid actresses this year. She seems, well, normal.

Despite the clouds this month, it’s blue skies for December babies. Or, to be more exact, blue stones… beautiful blue stones. Modern birthstones for those born in the month of December include blue topaz, tanzanite and turquoise. There is a shade of blue for every taste!

If you’re celebrating a birthday this month, or if you have a passion for the color blue, Delamina has a fabulous selection of December birthstone jewelry. The modern December birthstones include turquoise, blue topaz and tanzanite – fabulous stones, fabulous pieces, designed by some of the world’s most celebrated designers.

How can any one person be as caring and passionate, as talented and hardworking, as selfless and giving as Annie Lennox?

Steffi Graf has long been a woman that I admire. She is a study in balance - feminine strength, quiet confidence, maintaining her privacy as a public figure, dedicated mother and successful career woman, focused and passionate, controlled and caring.

With intricate 18k yellow gold webbing capturing a glistening faceted citrine gemstone, accented with a chrome diopside cabochon, and surrounded by a gently woven sterling silver frame, this captivating pendant necklace is the perfect way to get some added sunshine in your life.

Topaz is considered the traditional November birthstones … but why keep up with tradition?
And, I’m sure the November babies out there wouldn’t complain about some extra sunshine in their life, which makes the lovely citrine gem a popular and beautiful November alternative birthstone.

Although it is much easier to find news items regarding her lips, fashion choices or sex life, Nicole Kidman, our Delamina woman of the week, is very active in her role as Good will Ambassador to UNIFEM which, this month, launched a new initiative.

November brings the lovely topaz as this month’s birthstone. Topaz is a gem that is said to bring mental clarity, confidence, personal power and stamina. Sounds like a powerful stone. And, Delamina has plenty of fabulous choices for you.

The color of topaz varies from clear, yellow, orange, red, blue and green. Imperial topaz, the orange to golden gem, is generally recognized as the traditional birthstone for November babies.

This past week was full of significant events. Some very dear friends celebrated the at first unexpected, and then very much anticipated, birth of their baby bundle of boy joy. My 5 foot tall, stubborn, spitfire of a grandmother celebrated her 99th birthday. And the 2009 Women’s Conference took place in Long Beach, California

Somaly Mam is one remarkable woman.

Maria Shriver was in the news for two separate reasons this past week. Once for being seen talking on her cell phone while driving and again for releasing The Shriver Report, A Woman’s Nation. Can you guess which story got the most coverage in the press?

We already know that October babies are blessed with the beautiful precious opal gemstone. But these autumn birthdays also justify purchasing one of the many alternative birthstones. And the best part? Many of them are pink. Pink sapphire, pink topaz, and pink tourmaline are all alternative gemstones for the month of October. And Delamina has plenty of pink October gems to choose from.

I can imagine being married to and having three children with a loving man who goes off to war and comes back changed in a way that just doesn’t work, that involves violence - and needing to leave him. I can almost imagine the fear and sense of loss when he steals the children and flees the country - and having to fight long and hard to get them back.

Melissa, where do I begin? I’ve only seen you in concert once, but your raspy voice moves the very core of me. I respect the way you know who you are and live your life with such definition.

This month brings fiery opals to the lucky ladies with October birthdays, and those of us who just love opals. And Susan Foster Design Studio has two beautiful opal rings for you to choose from.

With a breezy chill filling the air as leaves dance in the wind, October means the beginning of fall, and, for October babies, it means brilliant shimmering opals.

She was inevitably going to be a Delamina woman. I have been waiting to celebrate her freedom, which keeps slipping out of reach, but a few events converged over the past couple of weeks that make now the absolute right time:

This week it was announced that Ellen Degeneres will replace Paula Abdul as a judge on American Idol. Whether you like reality shows - Idol in particular - or not, the reaction to this choice is interesting to observe. There certainly is no dearth of opinion and people are passionate in both extremes.

I grew up knowing the wonderful voice and the charming charisma of Diane Sawyer. She is the perfect blend of credibility, femininity and balance. A serious contender in what was a man’s world and a great role model for little girls everywhere.

September is the month to celebrate sapphires and these earrings are definitely worthy of celebration.

Burning Man, the strange ritual that happens once a year in the middle of the Nevada desert is taking place this week. In a week where people go out in the sand and ultimately set things aflame – Southern California is burning, and so did some homes in my neighborhood.

Legend says that if a sapphire is worn by an evil person the stone will get angry and refuse to shine – if that doesn’t give you enough incentive to be a better person, these next few sapphire pieces will.

Most people associate the word “sapphire” with the color blue. Indeed, sapphire is considered to be the most precious of all blue gemstones. But sapphires exist in many colors.

When I was very young I dreamed of being a professional philanthropist (frankly, I still do) – and Rania is just that. With her business background and her brains - it suits her very well. And then there is the added benefit that she can afford it.

We already know that pearls never go out of style – but these unusual and unique Keshi pearls give us even more reason to have a strand of our very own.

Independent and persistent, Sheryl Crow adopted a child and is raising him as a single mother. She has had an amazing and rich set of experiences in her life so far: singing backup in Michael Jackson’s Bad world tour; dating the super-human Lance Armstrong; singing duets on stage with Mick Jagger; winning multiple Grammy awards; and beating breast cancer, to name just a few.

The August birthstone is peridot, a vibrant green gem that is found in shades that vary from lime green with a touch of yellow to a deep olive green.

One week ago the world laid Corazon Aquino, former president of the Philippines, to rest. Cory wasn’t a perfect leader, but she did give it her all.

Whether applied to parenting, exercise or career, having goals and holding firm to them is critical to success. We are taught to have a clear picture of what we want to achieve, a concise plan to achieve it, and a support system.

On July 23rd th LA Times Entertainment section headline read “There are strong women, and then there is Sigourney Weaver”. I must admit, the headline had me regardless of the subject. Stick a ‘Because’ in front of it and I’m over the moon.

You know what to do Ms. Sotomayor. You’ve always known what to do.

Since summer fashion is heating up with bold and bright colors – especially yellow - shouldn’t your jewelry do the same?

When you think of pearls, chances are at least one of the following adjectives will come to mind—prim, proper, traditional, reserved. For whatever reason—perhaps it’s the June Cleaver effect—pearls have developed a reputation as the go-to accessory for occasions where a woman wants to look modest, respectful, and polite.

This past month I’ve felt a profound sense of loss. It started at the end of a wonderful vacation in Paris when my laptop took a tragic, and fatal, tumble.

July brings hot heat and a fiery red gemstone – the precious ruby. Named the gemstone of the Sun, these sweltering red stones are a reminder of the warm, carefree months of summer.

The gem of desire, courage, passion and emotion – the ruby, considered a “precious” gemstone, has been coveted for centuries as Max Bauer wrote in 1894, “A clear, transparent, and faultless ruby of a uniform red color is at the present time the most valuable precious stone known.”

Imagine the shock of discovering you are really of royal descent, indeed a princess by more than state of mind. Sarah Culberson, adopted at the age of one by couple in West Virginia, had just this experience.

We all yearn to make an imprint on the world, make a difference, leave some kind of lasting impression. And most of us want that to be a positive change, to make the world a better place.

Nothing whispers elegance more than a strand of pearls. Whatever size, color or shape, these beauties make a statement that promises to enhance every outfit or occasion.

What’s more romantic than the moon? Wearing one on your finger. A gemstone said to be surrounded by mystique and magic, the moonstone is made from the feldspar mineral that covers much of the earth.

Thank goodness for of my good friend Karen, who had a period of being a bad girl herself. As did most of the interesting women that I know.

These sites are our favorites that offer ways to pay your good fortune forward:

An amazing thing happened last week, justice prevailed and a talented young woman was set free. Roxana Saberi has lived a life that has been referred to as a “testament to diversity and democracy”.

It is hard to believe that there are emeralds that are worth more than diamonds. But it’s true. Emeralds can even be three times as valuable as that trusty diamond.

The New York Times published an article today that shocked me. There is a company that has patented genes that are associated with increased risk of breast and ovarian cancer – and also the tests that measure for the presence of these genes.

Let’s just acknowledge that my mother is a freaking saint. When my husband asked my 98 year-old, Alzheimer-stricken grandmother (who was no saint) if I was a good child, she came to life, her eyes sparkled, she had her first lucid moment in years while she emphatically replied: ‘NO!’. She even chuckled knowingly.

As April draws to a close, we couldn’t resist one more mention of this lovely gemstone and birthstone of the month.

What is made of compressed CARBON, OLDer than sin and PRACTICAL to wear? It sounds like a bad joke and it certainly doesn’t sound very appealing. But wait… the answer is not Dr. Scholl’s inserts

Today is Earth Day – what are you going to do about it? We now all know that the planet is chock full of limited resources and that some are more sustainable than others. Each little thing we do has an impact. What kind of example are we setting for our kids and what kind of mess are they going to inherit?

Yes it is tax day, and while taxes are no fun, they are most definitely the preferred one of the two famous certainties. This week we are celebrating both Lilly Ledbetter, as our Delamina woman of the week, and President Obama for signing into law the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act early in his tenure.

Michael Vick is on my shit list. But thankfully, there is balance in the universe and for every Vick there is a Sarah McLachlan. Not only has Sarah got a voice that melts butter, she has devoted herself to several causes in a very selfless, passionate way. She’s helped out fellow female vocalists, raised millions of dollars for charity and she has been a spokesperson and strong advocate for the SPCA.

This week - whether it be troops, bail-out money, restructuring plans or bonuses - the press is focusing on ‘how much is too much’. In our recessionary times, should we flaunt what we’ve got or take a more modest approach? Between the G20, General Motors, and the banks, what seems to be the issue of the week is: Are Michelle’s arms too buff?

This 14k white gold ring, with nearly a full carat of diamonds, is a one-of-a-kind, 1950’s vintage classic. With a variance of prong and channel set diamonds, your finger will glisten from side to side. And this ring is as stylish today as it was over 50 years ago, with one exception – now it’s an even better investment.
S.H. Silver Company, with an eye for exquisite estate and vintage fine jewelry pieces, is one of America’s foremost jewelry houses. The company sells prestigious one-of-a-kind classic pieces like this, as well as their own custom creations.

Betsy Barron designs eclectic, organic and timeless gems. She takes her inspiration from street fashion and the way that women put their own unique touch on the cultural norm to make it their own.

Also this week we are featuring an article about renowned designer Beverly K, who isn’t a Beverly at all, but a man named Morrie.

Delamina is currently looking for the best new ‘Because’ statement giving a reason for a woman to buy herself jewelry, along with ideas for an accompanying photo. The winner will be treated to pure bliss with a 5 day/4 night getaway to the exclusive El Rincon del Pedregal in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico’s premier luxury destination. Also included are airfare and $500 in cash.

As Barbie is a busy supermodel on the go in a long running, on again, off again relationship, her days are varied from active to very formal. When she was first introduced fifty years ago today, she was wearing the famous black and white bathing suit. She often paired that bathing suit with simple hoop earrings.

This newsletter celebrates the March birthstone, Aquamarine, and makes the point that jewelry is a safe commitment. Pearls are potentially more long-term than a relationship.

The variety of colors and graceful shapes found with these unique, softly multi-colored pearls guarantees that no woman will ever have your exact necklace and bracelet. These gleaming beauties are sure to draw attention with every ensemble, and in any room. Worn alone or layered with other necklaces and pendants, freshwater pearls are the go-to accessories for any age, or lifestyle.

Amidst plenty of recession prognosticating, stimulus package negotiating, all night budget balancing, economic crisis opining, stock market diving serious news, we had a bright burning, starry, glittering, shining moment. The Oscars. And not just any Oscars, but the best Oscars in years. Well produced, well moderated, well executed and downright GLAM. With underdogs and icons, touching speeches and true entertainment, elegant gowns and well coiffed hair. And jewelry with a capital ‘J’.

Vicente Agor’s eclectic, inspired designs are worn by some of our favorite women, including include Oprah, Reese Witherspoon and Gwyneth Paltrow. “My ideal client is not so much a celebrity as a self-made woman in her own right. She is smart and remarkable, chic but not overdone, well traveled and open-minded, sophisticated and urbane, but most of all she appreciates the artistic energy of the jewelry. She cares about her community and wants to make a difference.”

It all started in the 1930s when Coco Chanel, the French designer of “all things glamorous” stated that “Elegance is Refusal”. Her fine jewelry offered the first glimpse of haute couture for women, the vibrantly feminine woman who considered herself ‘powerful while ladylike’. Her fashion jewelry designs were the first ventures into “high-low” fashion whereby exquisite jewels were combined with other stones to add interest and to bring the price point for one or two pieces of fine jewelry out of the “royalty only” range. In many ways, she set a bar that continues to stand. Coco Chanel’s most famous fine jewelry included elegant pins and bracelets.

“I love Delamina. It’s a beautiful site with a great group of designers. I love the site’s attitude. Women should always take care of themselves and not wait for anyone to do it for them. They shouldn’t need a reason to splurge, and what better way to do that than with beautiful jewelry.”

Not just a pretty face? These sites keep those synapses firing.

These sites contain information about diamonds:

Ladies of style unite. These are some of our favorite sites to visit.

You can never get too much news about all things shiny!

Events for mentions of Delamina in the press. If you live in the San Francisco bay area, or anywhere near a really good news stand, don’t forget to pick up a copy of the February issue of San Francisco Magazine. Delamina is featured in ‘The Talk’ section.

Don’t forget to join our Facebook group – you can follow us at Friends of Delamina, for the latest information on discount offers and promotions, contests, tips and trends and company developments.

We are excited that people are taking notice so quickly, and that we are creating a buzz in the fashion and lifestyle industry. We would appreciate it if you would be willing to take part in some of the dialogue surrounding this article by posting your thoughts on the commentary and/or feelings about Delamina. Additionally, if you are a member of any social networking groups (i.e. Facebook, Digg, Twitter, De.li.cious etc.), it would be wonderful if you could help us to continue to get the word out by posting the article to your accounts.

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but this is truly a friend with benefits. Diamonds, unlike handbags, can last forever - and retain their value. They can be reset (or traded) to suit your changing taste over time.

First we have the ‘collar’ length. Very snug. Very sophisticated. Collar length necklaces are great for formal occasions and look fab with anything strapless. To wear a collar, especially one on the smaller side of the 12-13 inches, you should have a thin neck, or a love of bondage. But if you can pull it off, this style looks fantastic. Even good with jeans and a blouse. Anything v-neck.

Carat is the unit of measure for the weight of a diamond. It gets its name from the carob seeds that were used in ancient times to balance the weighing scales.

Because of its extraordinary hardness, its alleged resistance to fire and ability to “withstand hammer and anvil”, by the fifteenth century, the diamond had come to be acknowledged as a symbol of fidelity. No sixteenth-century royal marriage was complete without a diamond ring. In 1518, even 2-year-old Princess Mary (daughter of Henry VIII) had a tiny diamond ring placed on her finger when she was married, by proxy, to her bridegroom, the baby Dauphin of France.

Some believe the idea of metaphysical properties in gems was first cultivated in the ancient cultures of Babylonia and India where astrologers believed gems were filled with magic and spiritual powers. In early societies a stones’ healing and mystical properties had more meaning for its wearer than its aesthetic qualities. Celestial planets were linked to specific stones and this ultimately led to the foundation of our Western birth month, zodiac sign and gemstone traditions.

Garnet’s powers include healing, strength, regulating heart and blood flow and aid in curing depression. In ancient times, sailors took garnets with them to stay safe at sea. Garnets were also used as protection against evil … now that’s a good reason for every girl to have one!

Amethyst, which is a brilliant purple to violet variety of quartz, was used to prevent intoxication by the ancient Greeks and Romans. They wore amethyst rings, drank from amethyst encrusted goblets, even dropped an amethyst crystal in their wine to protect them from getting inebriated… ah if only it was that easy!

And if you need more reasons to love this gem of the sea, aquamarine increases intelligence and helps make one youthful! The aquamarine is an excellent stone for meditation. There is lightness about this stone that causes one to see the equality of life: a sense of serenity or peace with it, much as the sea brings peace to many who have troubled souls. How Zen!

The symbol of true love, diamonds are considered to be very powerful. They first became popular about 3,000 years ago in India. They were noticed for their sparkle and were used both for decoration as well as for protection from evil. In the dark ages, diamonds were thought to have healing properties. They were attributed with even more mystical powers during the middle ages, protecting against witchcraft and insanity.

Traditionally, the finest emeralds have come from Colombia, where both the Incas and the Aztecs mined rich emerald deposits in the Andes Mountains. In Roman times, emeralds were believed to have a soothing effect on the soul and on the eyes. Legend tells us that Nero, who had bad vision, used a slice of emerald to improve his sight while watching the gladiators in the arena. Rose colored glasses had nothing on these emerald specs.

San Francisco socialite, Dorothy Parker, once said, “There are always those who cannot distinguish between glitter and glamour, just as there are always those who cannot understand why you should desire real pearls…”. Now there’s a woman who understands how amazing these gifts from the sea are!

One of the most prized gemstones throughout history is ruby. Ruby is from the mineral family of corundum. Most people do not know that ruby is the sister of sapphire, which is also corundum. However, only red corundum is considered ruby. Prior to the nineteenth century, garnets and spinels were often confused with rubies. In fact, some of the famous ‘rubies’ in the British Crown Jewels are actually spinels!

Very fashion forward! Peridot has been called the “evening emerald” because it’s lighter shades of green come alive in the evening fire light. More than 3,500 years ago, peridot was mined by the ancient Egyptians on the island of Zebargad in the Red Sea. Peridots have been found in the ancient Egyptian ruins. Cleopatra, Egypt’s fashionista, was a fan of fine peridots. Many of her famed “emeralds” were actually magnificent peridots.

Sapphire has a very spiritual history. It is said that God gave Moses the Ten Commandments on tablets of sapphire. The divinity of this stone has led to it symbolizing faith, commitment and remembrance. Royalty and high priests throughout history have adorned themselves with sapphires. In Europe, sapphire was a traditional engagement stone. Remember Princess Diana’s gorgeous ring? If you have a sapphire you certainly will not feel blue!

The mystical opal has inspired some of the world’s great writers as well. They are referred to in both the plays of William Shakespeare and the novels of Sir Walter Scott. There is even lore that provides an important beauty tip … according to the ancient Scandinavian women, an opal worn in your hair could help prevent it from going gray! Early Arab civilizations thought opals could grant them invisibility… Who needs Harry Potter’s invisibility cloak!?

Topaz is the gemstone thought to hold the widest range of curative powers. Among those is the ability to dispel enchantment, improve eyesight, increase strength, heal mental disorders, cure insomnia and asthma and even prevent death. Topaz’s qualities that would certainly boost your social life are promoting friendship, ensuring fidelity, increasing patience and developing a pleasant disposition. Topaz is said to change color in the presence of poisoned food or drink … maybe it could tell you if that guy is good for you or not!

The Egyptian Pharaohs adorned not only their bodies, but all varieties of decorative items, including their grave furnishing, with this magnificent, prized blue gemstone. Esteemed as a holy stone, turquoise talismans of good fortune adorned daggers, sabers and bridles of horses throughout history. Levantine traders commonly known as Turks brought turquoise to Europe from the Eastern Mediterranean. Hence the name turquoise, a term used to describe any color that resembles this stunning gemstone.

But can she talk in a common language when it comes to discussing jewelry? Just as with shoes, accessorizing with the right piece of jewelry can make an outfit. To be an educated buyer, you’ve got to know the lingo!

A style of diamond cutting named after famed Dutch diamond cutter Joseph Asscher, which resembles a rectangular or square shaped octagon. This sexy cut has had a recent resurgance of popularity as a unique alternative to the traditional emerald cut.

A popular look for the bold “Right Hand Ring”, this style setting surrounds a larger center stone with several smaller stones. It is designed to create a beautiful larger ring from many smaller stones.

A style of necklace, popular at the turn of the century, in which a neck chain suspends a gem stone or small pendant set with gemstones.

A loupe, pronounced loop, is any small magnifying glass mounted for hand use, that allows the user to take a closer look at a gemstone.

The metal tip or bead that actually holds a stone in place. Traditionally stones are held by four or six prongs. A safety tip … always check your prongs regularly so you do not loose your precious gem! If you take your jewelry to a shop every now and then for a professional cleaning, they can check your prongs at the same time. And don’t forget to keep your insurance riders up to date.

No matter what you choose - pearls are a must have, a basic wardrobe staple. And today, you choose the pearls that best describe your mood. Classic strand or single Tahitian - Make your statement!

Pearls are soft, especially compared to gem stones. To keep your pearls from getting scratched by other hard jewelry, always store them separate from in a soft pouch or a jewelry case with a soft lining.

At one time they were even consider more valuable than diamonds. You probably can’t find a portrait of Queen Elizabeth I where she is not virtually dripping in pearls … in her hair, around her neck and sewn into her gowns. Elizabeth’s display of opulent pearls demonstrated her station in life; her power, wealth and her nobility. In 1893 Kokichi Mikimoto developed the culturing of pearls and subsequently changed the pearl market forever. Though not considered as rare as they once were, pearls are still a wonder of nature and a symbol of purity, elegance, beauty and sophistication.

High-quality pearl strands and earrings will feature pearls well-matched in these characteristics.

The coolest thing about Freshwater cultured pearls is that they come in a spectrum of fantastic colors. Soft alluring colors such as white, peach, pink and other pastels can occur naturally, but it is a widely-accepted practice to treat or irradiate these pearls to create other vibrant colors.

These incredible pearls form in a rainbow of colors including various tones of white, cream, pink, champagne, gold, silver, black, peacock, pistachio, blue and other pastel hues. Black lipped oysters (Pinctada Margaritifera) from French Polynesia, the Cook Islands and the Phillippines produce the dark and mysterious Black South Sea Pearls also known as Tahitian Pearls.

The Akoya pearl is the most familiar type of cultured pearl. Grown in pearl oysters off the coast of Japan, Akoya pearls are created by inserting a nucleus (small shell bead) into the oyster. The oyster becomes irritated by the foreign substance and begins to secrete nacre to cover the material. On the average the pearl spends one to four years in the oyster and grows to between 6 mm to 9mm in size. Even though pearls are harvested en masse on pearl farms, producing a quality pearl is an extremely rare event. It is estimated that half of all nucleated oysters do not survive — and of those that do, only 20% bear marketable pearls.

The company found a six story building at 653 Fifth Avenue which was owned by banker Morton F. Plant. Cartier proposed a trade, their most valuable strand of pearls, which at the time were valued at $1,000,000 for the building. Mrs. Plant gladly accepted the deal. 653 Fifth Avenue is still the current address of Cartier New York.

Sterling silver, which contains 92.5 % silver and 7.5% copper is the most popular because of it’s durability and ability to be highly polished. Most top quality silver pieces are stamped with a mark which designates the precious metal content and a maker’s mark or registered trademark.

Platinum gained popularity in the late 1800’s when metal smiths developed the technology to work with the rare metal and discovered its unique properties. Platinum is remarkably pliable, allowing it to be drawn into very fine wire while remaining strong and durable. This opened up a world of intricate, lacy jewelery design possibilities. Most platinum jewelry is 95 percent pure platinum. The other 5% is usually palladium, iridium, ruthenium or other alloys. Look for a stamp or mark in jewelry that reads Plat or 950 Plat to be sure you have acquired this glamorous metal.

Pure gold is a rich glorious yellow color. When it is alloyed with other metals, the color varies. Basically, the higher the Karat percentage, the softer and yellower the metal. A myriad of colors can be created as the gold is combined with different elements. White gold is created by adding palladium or nickel alloy, copper and zinc. Pink or red gold is created when gold is combined with copper. Green gold is a mixture of yellow gold, silver, copper and zinc.