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.

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?

The Beverley K collection is a line of handcrafted jewelry, available in 18k gold and platinum, with pieces that are adorned with fancy engravings, hand filigree, shimmering diamonds and strikingly colorful gemstones. The collection includes handcrafted bridal rings, all with their own exquisitely feminine touch, and each band showcasing “delicate vine-like curls to form a fancy bridal bed.”

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.

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!

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.

Yellow gold is everywhere. It’s bright sizzle is the perfect complement for every skin tone. It’s sunny color warms up any wardrobe. And if you generally prefer silver tones, don’t be afraid to mix metals. Layer. Sprinkle in a little yellow as an accent. Alternate yellow and silver colored bangles.

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.