I was cleaning the house with The Food Network on the TV in the background.

As I removed the traces of disarray from the week while trying to find inspiration for dinner, I noticed Paula Dean flashing her diamond rings as she cooked up something special.

I took a closer look, ogling the shimmering bauble she had on her finger. Then something happened that horrified me. Paula took `The Plunge!’ Both hands, rings and all, were submerged into a fabulous meat loaf mixture. How on earth would she ever clean that egg mixture out of the intricate filigree?

I was shocked. For some reason, this event stuck with me. As I continued about my day, the image haunted me. For 25 years I have worked in the jewelry industry, and have seen and repaired many a treasure. I remember a very important diamond bracelet that needed to be put back together after the owner broke it while casting a fishing line. She was lucky that her bracelet did not end up as fish food! Then there was the rugged platinum and diamond ring band that saved the owners finger as it bore the brunt of the barn door slamming. Luckily, the bezel set diamonds that were shorn off were recovered amongst the hay and dirt, and the ring was reconstructed. I have seen delicate jewels that have been through gardening accidents, trauma in the shower and a myriad of miscellaneous abuse. All loved to death.

As I pondered, I came to realize that there really is no point of owning jewelry that you don’t enjoy and WEAR. After all, nothing makes me crazier than someone who stores her jewelry away in a box or a safe and never wears it. Why not celebrate every day by wearing an amazing piece of jewelry that makes even the gloomiest day special? I was beginning to understand - though still not a convert. As I dusted the coffee table, Rachael Ray came on. She was donning a new engagement ring. I wondered if she too would take the plunge. I held my breath. She took her rings off! Bravo?!

Tags: bezel set diamonds, bracelet, diamond bracelet, diamond ring band, diamond rings, engagement ring, intricate filigree, jewelry, jewelry industry, jewels, Paula Dean, platinum, Rachael Ray, ring, shimmering bauble, The Food Network, treasure

This entry was posted on Sunday, March 30th, 2008 at 2:36 pm and is filed under Gem Impressions. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.