Pearls are like the little black dress of the jewelry world – a stylish classic with which you just can’t go wrong. As with the perfect little black dress, every girl should have her own set of pretty white pearls as soon as she is old enough to appreciate them. For women who adore wardrobe classics  – and for the men who love these women – we are excited to announce our amazing special on our high quality freshwater pearl jewelry set. The pearl jewelry set comes in the classic white hue and includes the three must-have pearl jewelry pieces for your jewelry box: an 18″ pearl necklace, a 7″ pearl bracelet, and a pair of white stud earrings.

What makes this pearl jewelry set even better is the beautiful 14K solid gold clasps for the necklace and bracelet, and the 14K solid gold posts and backings for the pearl stud earrings. The quality of our pretty pearl jewelry set is undeniable, which is why it makes the ideal gift for the woman who appreciates eternal style. We love the idea of gifting a pearl jewelry set to a girl on her Sweet Sixteen birthday, upon highschool or college graduation, and of course on her wedding day.

The great thing about pearl jewelry is that it can be worn with virtually anything; pearl stud earrings as versatile as diamond studs, and pearl bracelets and necklaces can just as easily be worn to  dress up a v-neck tee and jeans as they can to accessorize a ballgown. Classic beauty icons like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn knew the appeal of a great set of pearls, and now you can too, with our complete pearl jewelry set priced at under $200.

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Pearls are like the little black dress of the jewelry world – a stylish classic with which you just can’t go wrong. As with the perfect little black dress, every girl should have her own set of pretty white pearls as soon as she is old enough to appreciate them. For women who adore wardrobe classics  – and for the men who love these women – we are excited to announce our amazing special on our high quality freshwater pearl jewelry set. The pearl jewelry set comes in the classic white hue and includes the three must-have pearl jewelry pieces for your jewelry box: an 18″ pearl necklace, a 7″ pearl bracelet, and a pair of white stud earrings.

What makes this pearl jewelry set even better is the beautiful 14K solid gold clasps for the necklace and bracelet, and the 14K solid gold posts and backings for the pearl stud earrings. The quality of our pretty pearl jewelry set is undeniable, which is why it makes the ideal gift for the woman who appreciates eternal style. We love the idea of gifting a pearl jewelry set to a girl on her Sweet Sixteen birthday, upon highschool or college graduation, and of course on her wedding day.

The great thing about pearl jewelry is that it can be worn with virtually anything; pearl stud earrings as versatile as diamond studs, and pearl bracelets and necklaces can just as easily be worn to  dress up a v-neck tee and jeans as they can to accessorize a ballgown. Classic beauty icons like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn knew the appeal of a great set of pearls, and now you can too, with our complete pearl jewelry set priced at under $200.

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The birthstone shared by dreamy Pisces and fiery Aries alike, Aquamarine is an irresistible blue gem that exudes a spirited, playful vibe. For jewelry lovers born in the month of March, the light blue Aquamarine birthstone is an incredibly versatile birthstone due to its nearly-neutral hue that goes with everything. Though aquamarine is mostly paired with white gold and silver jewelry settings these days, it looks equally dashing set in yellow gold. Aquamarine and white gold jewelry has an appealingly pale, wintery look while yellow gold settings add a gentle warmth to the icy gemstone’s blue depths.

March Birthstone: Aquamarine History, Myths and Mysticism

Aquamarine gemstones come in a range of blue hues, from very pale ice blue to teal. A form of the mineral beryl, aquamarine shares the same family as emeralds, and ranks at a 7.5 – 8 on the Moh’s hardness scale, making it a durable gemstone resistant to scratches and nicks. Thanks to the March birthstone’s clear, watery appearance folklore tells the tale of aquamarine being locked away in a mermaid’s treasure chest beneath the ocean. According to legend, aquamarine was blessed by the god of the sea, which resulted in the gemstone becoming the unofficial good luck charm for sailors on long sea journeys.

Aquamarine, as with most gemstones, has many mystical properties attributed to itself. It is  said to prevent seasickness as well as provide mental clarity, to increase intelligence, and to represent hope and promote harmony. Interestingly, since the March birthstone is also associated with successful marriage, aquamarine jewelry is a popular wedding day gift from the groom to his bride. Thanks to its blue hue, it also serves as the ’something blue’ a bride can wear on her wedding day.

March Birthstone: Aquamarine Jewelry Gifts

If you have a loved one born in March, consider investing in one of these aquamarine jewelry items.  They are among our personal favorites, as well as some of the most popular pieces of jewelry we offer:

1. Princess Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Ring in 14K White Gold - Fit for a princess, this aquamarine and diamond ring sparkles brilliantly with a 2 carat center stone flanked by pave diamonds around the band.

2. Cushion Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold - For the consummate fashionista with a penchant for statement jewelry, this aquamarine cocktail ring is the perfect birthday present.

3. Vintage Floral Aquamarine Ring in 14K White Gold - Vintage lovers will rejoice in receiving this heirloom-quality aquamarine ring styled after antique Victorian-era rings.

For more gorgeous aquamarine rings to give or get, be sure to visit our entire selection of stunning baubles, perfect for the March-born jewelry lover.

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When it comes to matters of the heart, love knows no boundaries. And when it comes to engagement rings, the heart shaped diamond is a romantic classic to love.  Case in point: our very own heart shaped diamond engagement ring, which comes set in 14K white gold and can be found in a half carat, 3/4 carat and 1 carat size.  It symbolizes love, devotion and a lasting commitment – perfect for the promise of a lifetime of happiness.

Heart cut diamond rings are a good pick for hopeless romantics and for those who appreciate the inherent symbolism of the heart shape.  The majority of diamond engagement rings are a round brilliant cut, princess cut or emerald cut, which makes the heart shaped diamond a distinctive choice as well.  The heart shaped diamond also carries a touch of whimsy that is appealing to many women, and is definitely a girly, feminine choice.

As perfect as it is for a Valentine’s Day proposal, the heart shaped diamond engagement ring is a unique and beautiful option year-round. For a woman who loves hearts, pair the heart shaped diamond engagement ring with a heart-covered wedding band. The great thing about a heart shaped diamond engagement ring is its versatility; not only does it make a lovely engagement ring, it can also be worn as a right hand ring after the wedding once replaced by a wedding band.

Whether you are getting engaged this Valentine’s Day or sometime in the future, our beautiful diamond engagement ring is sure to capture your heart – pun intended.

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Alluring amethyst is the February birthstone, as well as the zodiac gemstone for those born under the Pisces sign. Women born in the month of February enjoy the plum luck of having one of the most beautiful as well as fairly affordable of the birthstones, making amethyst jewelry a perfect pick for Valentine’s Day babies and Pisces alike.

Amethyst Myth & Legend

The February birthstone is surrounded by a number of interesting myths and legends. Among them is the story of the origin of the amethyst gemstone from Greek mythology. According to the myth, a young maiden named Amethyst was on her way to pray to the goddess Diana when she became the unjust target of the god of wine’s (Dionysus’) anger against mortals. Dionysus set two tigers upon her to devour her, but Diana protected Amethyst from pain and suffering by forever turning her into a beautiful piece of clear crystal quartz. Upon seeing this, Dionysus realized his actions were wrong and wept into his goblet of wine, then accidentally dropped it upon the clear quartz stone, staining it a deep purple color. Thus was formed the first amethyst, from the maiden Amethyst.

Amethyst History & Facts

Purple has long been regarded throughout history as the color of royalty. Because of this, amethyst has served as one of the favorite gemstones in royal jewelry over the centuries. Since the days when Diana and Dionysus created amethyst, the stunning crystal quartz has been coveted by the rich and powerful.  Amethyst has been found in many different parts of the world including Uruguay, Brazil, Russia, Zambia, Mexico, Sri Lanka and the United States.

Amethyst is usually thought of as a purple stone, but it also comes in a sea foam shade of green that looks lovely in jewelry.  Generally speaking, the darker a piece of amethyst the more valuable it is; however, many women actually prefer the lavender shades of amethyst, and much of it comes down to personal preference. The beautiful quality and popularity of the stone make it valuable, but luckily there are many sources for the February birthstone, quenching the demand for it and keeping the price of amethyst jewelry affordable.

Beautiful Amethyst Jewelry Picks

For February birthdays, amethyst jewelry is a special gift that will be cherished for a lifetime. Here are three of our favorite amethyst pieces of jewelry for giving:

1. Art Deco Diamond and Amethyst Ring in 14K White Gold – Vintage lovers will fall head over heels for this sparkling diamond and amethyst Art Deco style bauble.

2. Amethyst Stud Earrings in 14K White Gold – Lovely and understated, these stud earrings are fabulous and affordable.

3. Sea Foam Green Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring – For a truly unique February birthstone gift, wow the birthday girl with this spectacularly stunning green amethyst cocktail ring. A massive sea glass hued amethyst is surrounded by a halo of diamonds for a gorgeous style statement.

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“A” rated quality, hand selected and 100% natural, each emerald chosen for our emerald stud earrings is ablaze with light and sparkle. It’s enough to make your friends positively green with envy.

As the May birthstone, the emerald is a popular pick for its unique deep green color. The richness and drama of the hue looks beautiful against both pale and tan complexions, and has been known to bring out the green in a person’s eyes when worn as earrings.  Though emerald stud earrings are a classic piece of jewelry, they can be modern and stylish depending on what they are worn with. Here are three great ways to wear a pair of emerald stud earrings, just like our signature pair held in place with solid 14K white gold:

1. Wear it With Pink

Pink and green is such a great combination of colors, they never fail to create an eye-catching ensemble. Soft, romantic pale pink (and peach) are very in for Spring, so consider setting off a flirty pale pink dress with a pair of emerald stud earrings to give the look that something special.

2. Wear it With A Dramatic Hair Piece

We’re not talking wigs, ladies – we’re referring to hair pieces of the fine feathered and flower variety. Big, dramatic flower-adorned headbands and feather clips are back in a major way for 2010, and they make quite the style statement. A beautiful, understated pair of stud earrings is the perfect choice for days when you want to wear dramatic hair pieces, since larger earrings would compete with your hair accessory and become fashion overkill.

3. Wear it for St. Patrick’s Day

Who says St. Patrick’s Day requires dressing in head-to-toe green garb? Get your green on with a dainty little pair of emerald stud earrings and avoid looking like a gaudy green leprachaun this St. Patty’s. You can thank us later.

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If you are looking at gold prices with a mind to purchase, you see this is a good time to buy.  The price is inching downward, but is it headed down permanently?  Is gold “down for the count” or taking a breather before trending upwards again? 

It closed the week at $1092.60 per ounce, which is quite a fall from the ballpark-benchmark of $1200 we saw only a few months ago.   But if you are watching the markets and pondering the financial dealings, it would seem that there’s still room to grow.   The United States has pulled out of the recession technically, but unemployment is still at 20+year highs and most people have a general state of mind about the economy that can only be described as grim. 

The price of gold, as we all know, is tied greatly to the success of the world’s financial markets.  For decades, it has been tied to the stability of the American dollar.  The dollar hasn’t been steady for some time now because of the debt loads taken on by American households and the financial institutions that carry them.  That debt, in turn, was purchased heavily by foreign banks, many based in China and elsewhere around Asia.

What?  The debts of American consumers now are held by the Chinese?  Yes, the economies in both burgeoning China and explosively successful India are recovering nicely.  They are enjoying a boom.  And they hold the notes on U.S. banks debt. 

So there’s one source of the confusion on gold prices.   Since confidence in the U.S. dollar hasn’t quite returned, the price of gold should still be steady and high.  In real dollars, adjusted for inflation over the course of the past 30 years, gold is still relatively cheap.  But if the world economy is slowly turning, warming its heart to the bloom of the Chinese and Indian economies, the price of gold may be confusing to watch for some time to come until we all find our footing in what may be a somewhat changing world order.

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The humble key has captivated the hearts and imaginations of both jewelry lovers and designers.  A once-utilitarian tool, the symbolism of a key evolved over the centuries into a representation of safety, trust, love and security. Though the keys of today are no longer adorned with ornate scrollwork, the beautiful designs and pattern work of earlier ancestors is still commemorated in the form of beautiful key pendants.  The diminutive size, intricate detail and romantic symbolism behind the skeleton key makes it a perfect gift for a loved one, this Valentine’s Day or otherwise.

One reason we love gifting a pretty key pendant this Valentine’s Day is that it’s a beautiful, romantic piece of jewelry that isn’t overtly Valentine’s. Heart pendants, earrings and bracelets are undoubtedly lovely, but one can only give heart-shaped jewelry so many times before the gift idea becomes trite – especially when dating the same person for a number of years. Instead, consider an equally gorgeous and meaningful key pendant necklace as a symbol of your love; give that special someone the ‘key to your heart’ to demonstrate your devotion.

Apples of Gold recently introduced two stunning antique-inspired key pendants that make such pretty gifts. The first pendant is inspired by a 17th Century Armory Key . An armory key was traditionally used to secure a collection of weaponry and belonged to individuals of high social status. Two carved lions on the key pendant guard the earth between their paws, representing valor and courage.

Another one of our favorite key pendants is the delicate Zodiac Skeleton Key. Antiqued sterling silver is adorned with the twelve signs of the zodiac, hidden within the key’s design. This key pendant is slightly smaller than the first, but is beautiful in its delicacy and offers a touch of whimsy with the concealed zodiac symbols.

30 – 70% off Marc Jacobs, C&C California, James Perse & More!

The humble key has captivated the hearts and imaginations of both jewelry lovers and designers.  A once-utilitarian tool, the symbolism of a key evolved over the centuries into a representation of safety, trust, love and security. Though the keys of today are no longer adorned with ornate scrollwork, the beautiful designs and pattern work of earlier ancestors is still commemorated in the form of beautiful key pendants.  The diminutive size, intricate detail and romantic symbolism behind the skeleton key makes it a perfect gift for a loved one, this Valentine’s Day or otherwise.

One reason we love gifting a pretty key pendant this Valentine’s Day is that it’s a beautiful, romantic piece of jewelry that isn’t overtly Valentine’s. Heart pendants, earrings and bracelets are undoubtedly lovely, but one can only give heart-shaped jewelry so many times before the gift idea becomes trite – especially when dating the same person for a number of years. Instead, consider an equally gorgeous and meaningful key pendant necklace as a symbol of your love; give that special someone the ‘key to your heart’ to demonstrate your devotion.

Apples of Gold recently introduced two stunning antique-inspired key pendants that make such pretty gifts. The first pendant is inspired by a 17th Century Armory Key . An armory key was traditionally used to secure a collection of weaponry and belonged to individuals of high social status. Two carved lions on the key pendant guard the earth between their paws, representing valor and courage.

Another one of our favorite key pendants is the delicate Zodiac Skeleton Key. Antiqued sterling silver is adorned with the twelve signs of the zodiac, hidden within the key’s design. This key pendant is slightly smaller than the first, but is beautiful in its delicacy and offers a touch of whimsy with the concealed zodiac symbols.

30 – 70% off Marc Jacobs, C&C California, James Perse & More!

I can’t always comment on gold prices, you know. Sometimes, I have to sit back and scratch my head in wonder.   And this is one of those moments.

We’ve all read the reports and seen the heart-rending pictures out of Haiti.  The world’s poorest nation has been hit by a 7.0 magnitude earthquake, killing what the Red Cross believes will be between 45,000 and 55,000 people, injuring tens of thousands more and leaving hundreds of thousands without shelter or food.  It’s a grim situation and we all want to do whatever we can to help that painful situation.  (If you can, take a moment and donate $10 to the Red Cross by texting “Haiti” to 90999.) 

In addition to that new crisis, our global financial worries continue.  The hopeful start to the new decade is still being marred by worries, such as the employment numbers released on Thursday, which showed new unemployment numbers taking an unexpected jump.    This was actually quite puzzling to economists, and we have to hope it is, indeed, a blip.

Also down: retails sales.   They weren’t as strong as hoped or expected in November and December.  Experts say it means our recovery is still very tentative.

In spite of these sorry reports, the price of gold continues to slip downward, too.  The price today is trending around $1132, down almost $10 on the day.  That’s actually a hopeful sign.  The reason is because, as we’ve discussed many times, gold is a market hedge in many investors’ minds.  They use it as a place to hide money when the dollar lurches or the economy rocks.

So if the price of gold is slipping, that means demand is down and could be seen as an indicator that investors aren’t quite as bearish as one might think.  They believe that the economy is coming back, however slowly.  They aren’t putting their money into gold, but out there, buying, selling and trading happily in the belief that the recession is over and better days ahead.

I am going to choose to hope with them.  For myself, my investments and my world.  And for Haiti.  I hope you can see your way to do the same.

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