Category: The Sparkle On Blog

The holidays are the time to sparkle and shine, and Elegant Insights has a great selection of beautiful gifts for the jewelry lover on your list. Below, you’ll find a few suggestions in a variety of categories that I hope will make your gift shopping a little easier. Happy shopping!

Gifts $25 and under:

So many choices…The Vain Cane Mobility Cane Charms, $15.
Perfect for: Anyone who uses a white mobility cane or support cane.

Shop for Vain Cane charms here!
Our Zippity-doo-dot Zipper Pulls, in your choice of braille or engraved options, $15 to $25.
Perfect for: Teens, friends, secret Santa gift, or stocking stuffer.

Find the Zippity-doo-dot Zipper Pulls here!
Top sellers. Our Always and Forever Earrings, $25.
Perfect for: Sweetheart, daughter.

See our pretty heart earrings here!

Gifts $50 to $75:

Give her the moon and stars! The Celestial Expanse Necklace, $75.
Perfect for: The dreamer, the stargazer, the astrology lover.

You’ll find our Celestial Expanse Necklace here!
Butterflies, flowers, and pretty pastels…Our Garden Party Charm Bracelet, $75.
Perfect for: Sis, Mom, BFF.

Find our spring motif bracelet here!

Gifts for the hostess or for the wine lover:

Celebrating? Check out our choices of wine glass charms and decanter identifiers, $65.
Perfect for: The wine enthusiast, or a friend with a home bar.

Raise a glass and find our “In Vino, Veritas” collection here!

Wag-worthy gifts for the dog lover:

When it’s time to put on the dog…here’s a sweet necklace and earrings set, $70.
Perfect for: Guide dog handler, pet lover, teens.

Find our dog-themed set here!

For her canine crush, our Doggy Dangle Bangle, $35.
Perfect for: Teens, dog lovers.

Shop here for our Doggy Dangle Bangle!
Why I Fly butterfly expandable bangle bracelet, $35.
Perfect for: Mom, stepmom.

Mom will love this pretty butterfly bracelet. Get it here!

A bangle for all seasons, $35.
Perfect for: Friends, nature lover, sis.

Shop for a spring, summer, winter, or fall bracelet here!

Gifts that make her say “wow!”

The Love Always and Forever 3-piece bracelet, necklace, and earrings set.
Perfect for: The love of your life.

Get our romantic heart jewelry set here!

The ultimate in winter sparkle: The Shimmering Snowflurry 54 inch Necklace.
Perfect for: Mom, the jewelry lover, the fashionista.

Catch our gorgeous snowflake necklace here!

Wishing you a very happy Hanukkah, a Merry Christmas, peaceful Kwanzaa, and a joyful New Year! Thank you for your readership, kind words, suggestions and support this year. Hang in there, everyone, 2020 is almost over. Stay strong, and sparkle on!

LL

If you’ve followed any of my content this year, you’ve probably read something about an event I’ve promoted called Let’s Go Shopping. On this page, you’ll find everything you need to know to join us on Tuesday and Wednesday, November 10 and 11, and shop ’til you drop!

What’s Let’s Go Shopping? It’s an online, accessible, virtual mall crawl like no other. Read about the inspiration for Let’s Go Shopping here.

With 18 vendors to explore, offering everything from artisan crafted jewelry to stylish accessories, food, gadgets and gizmos, pet products, personalized gifts, beauty and skin care, home fragrance and decor, craft kits, bags, leather goods, and technology, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your gift list!

First, here is your Zoom virtual shopping mall invitation:

US and Canada:
Tuesday, November 10, 2020
8AM Pacific Time, 10:00 AM Central Time, 11AM Eastern to 5PM PT/8PMET.
Wednesday, November 11, 2020
8AM Pacific Time, 10:00 AM Central Time, 11AM Eastern to 5PM PT/8PMET.

To join the Zoom Meeting
us02web.zoom.us/j/86045504882?pwd=bERyMDREUmNKQTVpR25WN1JPV2FCZz09

Meeting ID: 860 4550 4882
Passcode: 324121

Here is the complete two-day schedule of events:

Tuesday, November 10, 2020

Please note that all times are Pacific Time. Adjust for your time zone accordingly.

08AM Welcome and introduction
8:30AM Elegant Insights Engraved Gifts

09AM Elegant Insights – Gifts for the Guys
09:30 Needle Creations

10AM Guidelight Dogs
10:30 Scentsy with Nini – Festive Fragrances for the Holidays

11AM Mama Otter’s Tidbits Jewelry Gifts
11:30 A. T. Guys: Smart accessories for your smart life

12PM Angela’s Awesome Homemade Jerky
12:30 A Touch of Clay – Handcrafted for the Holidays

01PM Mitsy Kit Christmas Gift Ideas
01:30 Kane Kids Shop

02PM Guidelights and Gadgets
02:30 Beauty by Brittany

03PM Stocking Stuffers Spectacular – Gifts $20 and under!

05PM End of Day

Wednesday, November 11, 2020

Please note that all times are Pacific Time. Adjust for your time zone accordingly.

08AM Mitsy Kit Home Decor and More
08:30 Guidelight Dogs

09AM Victorialand Beauty
09:30 Elegant Insights Wow Gifts

10AM Scenic Made – Delicious, organic treats. Your go-to gift for the holidays.
10:30 Guidelights and Gadgets

11AM Kane Kids Shop
11:30 My Photo Blanket Holiday Memories

12PM Elegant Insights Holiday Sparkle
12:30 Elegant Insights Gifts for the hard-to-buy-for

01PM A. T. Guys Holiday Showcase
01:30 Patti and Ricky Holiday Style

02PM Beauty by Brittany
02:30 Angela’s Awesome Homemade Jerky

03PM The Harbolt Company

04PM Happy Hour Q and A: Get your questions answered!

05PM End of Day

The Let’s Go Shopping vendor directory

Here are the best small businesses from which to shop this holiday season. These entrepreneurs have brought an outstanding selection of products suitable for everyone on your gift list. Please patronize these fabulous small businesses!

GuideLights and Gadgets, Inc.

Simple and affordable; practical technology that is also fun; leather bags, pouches, Braille notetaker and display cases, Orbit Writer and phone cases, if you want to protect or cover it, we probably have it!

Barry Scheur
(617) 969-7500
bscheur@scheur.com
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/

Elegant Insights Braille Creations

A distinctive, handcrafted collection of jewelry and accessories embossed in braille.

Laura Legendary
702-605-1265
elegantinsightsjewelry.coml.legendary@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
customer.service@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Elegant.Insights
Twitter: @ElegantInsights
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elegantinsights

Victorialand Beauty

Empowering you with skin that looks & feels good enough to Go Naked!

Victoria Watts
(239) 450-0534
victorialandbeauty.cominfo@victorialandbeauty.com
Twitter @victorialandbty
Facebook www.facebook.com/Victorialandbeauty
Instagram @victorialandbeauty

Scenic Made, artisanal care packages

Small batch, big flavor

Johanna Sedman
johanna@scenicmade.com
www.scenicmade.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/scenicmade
Instagram :www.instagram.com/scenic_made/
www.facebook.com/groups/phebyleanne

Mama Otter’s Tidbits

Treasures, treats, and trinkets for every taste

Charlotte Lang
mamaotter1@gmail.com
www.mamaotter.com
www.facebook.com/mamaotterstidbits

Scentsy with Nini

Fill your life with fragrance.

Nini Urschel
Independent Scentsy Consultant
916-206-1151
www.nini.scentsy.us
nini95626@sbcglobal.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/category/Product-Service/NV-Wickless-Scents-More-125248947558448/

A Touch of Clay

Affordable handcrafted gifts for the holidays or any occasion

Chris Norman
336-816-2943
touchofclay2020@gmail.com

A. T. Guys

Smart technology for your smart life.

J. J. Meddaugh
269-216-4798
www.atguys.com
support@atguys.com
Twitter: @atguys
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atguys

Needle Creations

Where we won’t let our disabilities stop us!

Terry Powers
301-916-8549
needlecreations59@gmail.com

Angela’s Awesome Homemade Beef Jerky

Our name says it all.

Angela Fowler
530-813-2911
angelasawesomejerky@gmail.com
www.facebook.com/Angelas-Awesome-Home-Made-Beef-Jerky

Kane Kids Shop

Embroidered Scarves for Your Pets

Joyce Kane
203-297-8818
Joyce@KaneKids.Shop

Patti and Ricky

Functional and fashionable apparel and accessories for people of all abilities.

Alexandra Herold
www.pattiandricky.com
303-578-6594
alex@pattiandricky.com
Twitter: @pattiandricky_
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pattiandricky/
Instagram: @pattiandrickycom

GuideLight Dog Products

The Place Where Happiness Wags!

KaeAnn Rausch
781-286-1696
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/GuideLightDogProducts.html
GuideLightDogs@gmail.com
Twitter: @GuideLightDogs

Beauty by Brittany

Color your world with Mary Kay Cosmetics and Skin Care

Brittany Savage
Independent beauty consultant
804-832-5439
www.marykay.com/bsavage2
tanielizabeth21@yahoo.com
Twitter: @tanielizabeth21

My Photo Blanket

Wrap yourself up in a perfect memory.

Don Shaw
409-333-0432
myphotoblanket@icloud.com
www.myphotoblanket.shop – Under construction. Coming soon!

Mitsy Kit

Mitsy Kit hand sewing and crafting kits make creativity accessible
for the blind, elderly, disabled and all using our patented, tactile guided system.
We help you to create memories and connect lives, one simple kit at a time.

Tammy Roussell
978-419-1824
Tammy.Roussell@MitsyKit.org
www.MitsyKit.org/
Facebook: www.facebook.com/MitsyKit
Twitter@TammyMitsyKit
Instagram – @tammyroussell
LinkedIn Tammy Roussell

The Harbolt Company

We specialize in unique and hard to find items to make your life easier. We love what we do, and so will you!

Brent Harbolt
405-633-2572
www.harboltcompany.com
sales@harboltcompany.com
Twitter: @harboltcompany
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theharboltcompany

Don’t forget to use the tag #LetsGoShopping when tweeting about the event. Ready for a little retail therapy?

Let’s go shopping!

LL

Last spring, I was inspired by the feverish negotiations underway in the US Congress as they wrestled with the nuances of what became the Cares Act. At that time, I was concerned that people with disabilities would be left out of the rescue package, as was the case during the Great Recession. Those among my peer group of entrepreneurs were also in danger of missing out on their slice of the bail-out pie, because most small or micro businesses do not support a traditional payroll. These business owners either manage their businesses on their own, have employees who work on a part-time basis, or who are independent contractors. Too small to take advantage of the Payroll Protection Plan or a business loan, and with questions about eligibility for the $1200 stimulus check, my apprehension over the fate of my friends, and in particular, entrepreneurs with disabilities, compelled me to action.

With the limits imposed by the nationwide lockdowns intended to flatten the curve, and slow the spread of the Coronavirus, and with several gift-giving occasions on the horizon, people from all walks of life needed an accessible and simple way to shop from their home. If they could not go to the mall, I decided, I would bring the mall to them. I wanted to find a way to connect small businesses with the customers who needed them. Let’s Go Shopping Virtual Events was born.

Let’s Go Shopping is an online, accessible, virtual mall crawl where shoppers can hear product presentations and make purchases from the comfort of their couch and smartphone. Or, from their laptop or landline telephone. Access is managed through the Zoom platform, and the event runs on a published schedule. All of the participating vendors are required to make the purchase process as easy and as frictionless as possible, which means that they cannot hide behind their website. They must provide a phone number, email address, or make themselves available via social media so that anyone, no matter the circumstances, can place an order.

Coming up next week is the fourth of these Let’s Go Shopping events. With an emphasis on holiday gifts, there are 18 vendors to explore, offering everything from artisan crafted jewelry to fashion, food, gadgets and gizmos, pet products, personalized gifts, beauty and skin care, home fragrance and decor, craft kits, bags and leather goods, and technology. It’s a great opportunity to get all of your holiday shopping finished, discover new places to shop, and support a small business. Plus, the entire event will be recorded, so if you miss any sessions, you will be able to shop from the recordings, which will be posted over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Please join us for the Let’s Go Shopping holiday Gift Event, November 10 and 11, 2020, starting at 8AM Pacific Time.

The Let’s Go Shopping Holiday Gift Spectacular promises to be the biggest and best LGS event yet, so be sure to share the Let’s Go Shopping goodness with your friends!

Get early access to the vendor list, special sales, promotions, door prizes, news and updates! Please join our announce-only email list. No avalanche of messages in your inbox, no flame wars, no mindless chit chat. Just relevant details about what you can expect from the big holiday event. Most importantly, it’s where you’ll get your Zoom virtual shopping mall invitation!

Subscribe by sending a blank email to:

lgs+subscribe@groups.io – and you will be added to the list. Best of all, no mask needed! Be sure to use the tag, #LetsGoShopping when tweeting about the event.

Let’s face it, 2020 has been rough for everyone. It’s time for some holiday cheer! Ready for a little retail therapy?

Let’s Go Shopping!

LL

With so much to write about in my niche, jewelry, sometimes I suffer from an embarrassment of riches. Or, as my UK readers would put it, I’m “spoiled for choice.” Instead of composing a serious article about the current state of the jewelry business as compared to the pre-pandemic days, I thought I’d have a bit of fun. We could all use a little levity about now, right?

I’ve put together a list of my favorite jewelry quotes. Some are funny, some serious, but each makes a statement about the power of jewelry. Enjoy.

“I don’t exercise. If god had wanted me to bend over. He would have put diamonds on the floor.” – Joan Rivers.

“I never hated a man enough to give him his diamonds back.” – Zsa Zsa Gabor.

“All art is autobiographical; the pearl is the oyster’s autobiography.” – Federico Fellini.

“Will the people in the cheaper seats clap your hands? And the rest of you, if you’ll just rattle your jewelry.” – John Lennon.

“Pearls are the queen of gems and the gem of queens.” – Unknown.

“A man’s got two shots for jewelry: a wedding ring and a watch. The watch is a lot easier to get on and off than a wedding ring.” – John Mayer.

“This diamond has so many carats it’s almost a turnip.” – Richard Burton.

“Adversity is the diamond dust Heaven polishes its jewels with.” – Thomas Carlyle.

“The three rings of marriage are the engagement ring, the wedding ring, and the suffering.” – Unknown.

Like those? I have more, so I’ll post a part 2 soon. Who knew that the topic of jewelry could be so quotable?

Laura

Hi everyone! How is your apocalypse going? Our lockdown here in Las Vegas has been extended, but the populace isn’t having any of it. We’ll see what happens. Take care of yourself, and stay home to stay safe, especially if you are among the most vulnerable.

I wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know that if you are still unable to venture out, we have another Let’s Go Shopping event coming up this week. This time, it’s for dads and grads. Whether it’s your father or father-in-law, son or brother, sometimes those guys can be hard to buy for. Zoom in to our virtual shopping mall and find great gifts for your dad or grand ad, or the graduates heading off to college next fall. Or, find a little something for yourself to make lockdown a little easier.

Elegant Insights has some great new products we’ve saved just for the event, so be sure to tune in. Also, subscribe to our low volume, announce-only email group just for Let’s Go Shopping. It’s a great way to get the scoop on door prizes, discounts, and news on upcoming Let’s Go Shopping Virtual Events.

Go here to sign up:

groups.io/g/LGS/

What is Let’s Go Shopping? It’s an accessible, online, virtual mall crawl that connects small businesses with the customers who need them. You can join us by using the Zoom platform on your smartphone, laptop, desktop or even your landline telephone! Our first event was held on a single 12 hour day. This time, the Let’s Go Shopping event is a three-day extravaganza. For the complete schedule, go here:

An accessible, virtual shopping event just for dads and grads: Let’s Go Shopping 2!

Finally, as with the first event, Let’s Go Shopping 2 will be recorded. Tune in to all three days to find gifts of tech, style, gourmet popcorn, accessories, leather goods, skin care, home fragrance, kitchen gadgets, and of course, Elegant Insights braille jewelry and accessories!

Don’t forget to use the tag, #LetsGoShopping when sharing about the event.

Ready for a little retail therapy? Let’s Go Shopping!

Stay strong, and sparkle on!

Laura

With millions of us self-isolating, doing our part to stay home and stay healthy, the demands on our finances, resources, and patience has been significant. No more so than for seniors and people with disabilities, for whom the changes in day-to-day life has not only been disruptive, but frustrating as well. Tasks such as shopping, once made easier by caregivers, whether children, grandchildren, home-care provider, or a visiting friend are now out of reach for some. Still others may have had to give up the seat in front of the family PC so that their spouse can continue to work, now from home. Still others may find that home confinement means they no longer have access to their company bandwidth and lightning-fast Internet speeds. The stress and anxiety with which many are now struggling, thanks to the sudden, head-spinning reality of the surreal, new normal can make an activity as pleasurable as shopping seem overwhelming.

With upcoming gift-giving occasions such as Easter, Mother’s Day, graduations, and so on, I wanted to help people get some shopping done in an easy, stress-free way, , while ensuring we all continue to adhere to the self-isolation guidelines. So, I organized an all-day, online, virtual event called “Let’s Go Shopping!”

On Saturday, April 4th, beginning at 7 AM Pacific time, and lasting for 12 hours, you can use the Zoom Video Conferencing platform to shop till you drop. Zoom enables users to access meetings and virtual events by using a desktop, smartphone, tablet, or even a landline telephone. These days, it seems that everyone is using Zoom, whether for schoolwork, dance lessons, concerts, and now…shopping!

Here is the schedule for the day, along with all the vendor info. Scroll to the bottom for the Zoom access info. There’s no need to RSVP, or even register. However, some of the vendors are giving away door prizes, and you may be asked for your email address so that arrangements can be made to ship it to you if you win one. How fun is that?

Let’s Go Shopping Schedule

Saturday, April 4th, 2020, from 7 AM to 7 PM Pacific Time. Let’s Go Shopping is an all-day, online, accessible event connecting small businesses and the customers who need them. Ready for a little retail therapy?

Let’s Go Shopping!

Please note that all times are pacific Time. Adjust accordingly for your time zone.

7:00 am PT: Good morning and welcome (Laura)

7:30 am: Sight and Sound Technology

8:00 am PT: Elegant Insights Braille Creations

9:00 am PT: Hartgen Consultancy

10:00 am PT: PattiandRicky.com Adaptive Fashion

11:00 am PT: Strawberry Moon Reborns

11:30 am: Beauty by Brittany

12:00 pm PT: A. T. Guys

12:30 pm: GlamSticks

1:00 pm PT: GuideLights and Gadgets, Inc.

1:30 pm: Scentsy with Nini

2:00 pm PT: PattiandRicky.com Inclusive Accessories

3:00 pm PT: GuideLights for Guide Dogs

3:30 pm: Tawny’s Pottery Lab

4:00 pm PT: A. T. Guys

4:30 pm: The Unseen Bean

5:00 pm PT: The Harbolt Company

6:00 pm PT: Elegant Insights Braille Creations

6:30 pm: Door prizes and wrap-up Laura and friends

Let’s Go Shopping with these fabulous vendors!

Sight and Sound Technology
Sight and Sound Technology Ireland is the leading provider of hardware and software to the blind, visually impaired and those with learning and reading difficulties.

Stuart Lawler
?www.sightandsound.co.uk
Telephone: +35316909720
Mobile: +353879926360
stuart.lawler@sightandsoundtechnology.ie
Twitter: @sastireland

Elegant Insights Braille Creations
Jewelry and accessories with a tactile twist. We bring out the beauty of braille.

Laura Legendary
www.elegantinsightsjewelry.com
l.legendary@elegantinsightsjewelry.com
702-605-1265
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Elegant.Insights
Twitter: @ElegantInsights
Instagram: www.instagram.com/elegantinsights

Hartgen Consultancy
Training and products for the JAWS Screen-reader. Quality, Confidence, Excellence.

Brian Hartgen
www.hartgenconsultancy.com
US: 239-256-7779
Twitter : www.twitter.com/hartgenconsult
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hartgenconsult

Patti and Ricky
Functional and fashionable apparel and accessories for people of all abilities.

Alexandra Herold
www.pattiandricky.com
303-578-6594
alex@pattiandricky.com
Twitter: @pattiandricky_
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pattiandricky/
Instagram: @pattiandrickycom

StrawberryMoonReborns
Lifelike baby dolls for your child, or the child in all of us.

Lulu Hartgen
www.strawberrymoonreborns.com
+44-7773-501-358.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/strawberrymoonkins
And
Facebook: www.facebook.com/strawberrymoonreborns
Instagram: @strawberrymoonreborns
Twitter: @SMReborns

Beauty by Brittany
Color your world with Mary Kay Cosmetics

Brittany Savage
Independent beauty consultant
www.marykay.com/bsavage2
tanielizabeth21@yahoo.com
Twitter: @tanielizabeth21

A. T. Guys
A. T. Guys will be offering a special deal for everyone who tunes in. We are taking orders and ready to provide the technology you need.

J. J. Meddaugh
support@atguys.com
269-216-4798
Twitter: @atguys
Facebook: www.facebook.com/atguys

Glamsticks
Glamsticks ™ are bespoke, designer and couture crutches, canes, walking sticks, wheelchair covers and accessories all individually crafted for your personal use.

Sharon Farley-Mason
www.glamsticks.co.uk
glamsticks@hotmail.com
UK 07903143322
Twitter: @glamsticks
Facebook: www.facebook.com/GlamSticks
Instagram: @sharonfm1_glamsticks

GuideLights and Gadgets, Inc.
Simple and affordable technological fun.

Barry Scheur
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/
1597 Suncrest Drive
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577.
(617) 969-7500
bscheur@scheur.com

Scentsy with Nini
Fill your life with fragrance.

Nini Urschel
Independent Scentsy Consultant
www.nini.scentsy.us
916-206-1151
nini95626@sbcglobal.net
Facebook: NV Wickless Scents & More

GuideLightDogs
Happiness wags.

KaeAnn Rausch
www.guidelightsandgadgets.us/CatalogGuideLightDogProducts.html
guidelightdogs@gmail.com
781-286-1696
Twitter: @Kaeko658

Tawny’s Pottery Lab
From my hands to yours, everyday art designed to touch: pet bowls, mugs, pendants, home decor

Tawny Villegas
Www.pottery-lab.com
www.etsy.com/shop/tawnyspotterylab
IG: @potterylab
Twitter: @pottery_lab
FB: www.facebook.com/potterylab/

The Unseen Bean
Taste the passion in blind roasted coffee.

Jerry Leary
www.theunseenbean.com
720-369-8039
info@theunseenbean.com
Twitter @theunseenbean

The Harbolt Company
We specialize in unique and hard to find items to make your life easier. We love what we do, and so will you!

Brent Harbolt
www.harboltcompany.com
sales@harboltcompany.com
405-633-2572
Twitter: @harboltcompany
Facebook: www.facebook.com/theharboltcompany

Special thanks to The Harbolt Company for donating the Zoom virtual shopping mall. Thanks also to vendors donating door prizes throughout the day. Be sure to tune in on saturday, April 4th, 2020 to shop ’till you drop!

Let’s Go Shopping!

Join us via the Zoom Video Conferencing platform:

Laura Legendary has invited you to the online event, “Let’s Go Shopping!”

An all-day, accessible, online event. Let’s Go Shopping! We’re connecting small businesses and the customers who need them.

Join us Saturday April 4, 2020, start time 7:00 AM Pacific Time, 8:00 AM Mountain Time, 9:00 Central Time, 10:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada). Event concludes at 7 PM Pacific Time.

Join Zoom Meeting from your computer or mobile device with Zoom app installed. (needs meeting ID.)
Meeting ID: 287 180 525

zoom.us/j/287180525

One tap join from your mobile device. (does not require meeting ID.)

+16699006833,,287180525# US (San Jose)
+13462487799,,287180525# US (Houston)

Dial by your location on a land line phone. (needs meeting ID.)
Meeting ID: 287 180 525

+1 669 900 6833 US (San Jose)
+1 346 248 7799 US (Houston)
+1 929 436 2866 US (New York)
+1 253 215 8782 US
+1 301 715 8592 US
+1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago)

Find your local number: zoom.us/u/abZUrvSCbt

We look forward to – virtually – meeting you, so be sure to show up and shop!
Go here to read the Let’s Go Shopping official press release.

Stay strong, and sparkle on!

Laura

Gemstones, whether clear or colorful, opaque or transparent, can be cut into myriad shapes, each with a plethora of pleasing optical properties that enhance the setting as well as the stone. In fact, due to the crystalline structure of some gems, there are preferred shapes that reveal the best balance of color and weight, as they show off the most beautiful aspects of color consistency and spectacular sparkle.

It is important to point out first thing that there is a distinction between the shape of a gem and the cut of a gem. The shape is the outline, the silhouette, the general form of a gem. The cut refers to how it is faceted. The most common diamond shape is the round, although there are many other geometric shapes, such as the rectangle, octagon, triangle, oval, marquise, and pear shape. There are also many specialty shapes, such as a heart, star, briolet, crescent, and whatever a skilled gem cutter can dream up. Here, we are going to focus on the square shape, along with the various cuts that can completely alter the visual properties of a square-shaped gem, changing how the gem presents.

A square shaped stone is exactly what you would expect: Four equivalent sides meeting at four corners at right angles. This shape does offer a few variations, however, for those who find the square to be too harsh, or too geometric. The Asscher cut, also called square emerald cut, for example, is a hybrid of a princess and an emerald cut. This cut was developed by the Asscher brothers of Holland in 1902. By using a step cut instead of a brilliant cut, the emphasis is placed on the gem clarity, rather than the sparkle.

A cushion cut is a square shaped gem with rounded corners, resembling a pillow or sofa cushion. It is considered a traditional cut, although there are some variations where the sides are gently bowed, or puffed out, not quite round but not strictly a geometric square, either. A cushion cut gem is a great way to get the feel of a square shape, but with a modified, softened look.

Of all the square shapes, you’ve probably most often heard of the princess cut. It is a relatively recent cut, crated by Ygal Perlman, Betzalel Ambar and Israel Itzkowitz in 1979, although the earliest version, called the profile cut, was crafted by Arpad Nagy of London, in 1961. What makes the princess cut so attractive, especially in a diamond, is that it is a square shape that is faceted like a brilliant cut round diamond, with many more facets than a traditional round, which makes the princess cut a major sparkler.

Another variation of a square shaped gem is the radiant cut. It is a combination of a princess and a cushion cut. This is another more recent cut, created in 1977 by Henry Grossbard. It offers the contemporary proportions of a square by taking an octagon shape and cutting off the corners, combined with the fire of a brilliant cut, which has many more facets than a traditional cushion cut gem.

There are many faceting patterns that are used to bring out the unique aspects of gemstones, and some of these are even branded…trademarked by the jewelry houses that introduced them. Whether a stone is a traditional geometric shape or a specialty shape, it can be step cut, brilliant cut, baguette cut, trapezoid cut, or any number of other faceting techniques used to enhance the coveted color or fire of a gem. When shopping, look for the various stone shape and faceting combinations available and ask about the number of facets and type of cut. Also, ask to see comparisons between stones of a similar size, carat weight, quality, or color. This will help you to make an informed choice about the perfect stone shape and cut for you, so that you can sparkle on!

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Laura Legendary is a blind jewelry designer, and owner of Elegant Insights Braille Creations. She is also a speaker and author, specializing in advocacy, accessibility, and assistive technology. Link to Laura on LinkedIn!

Classic cars, classic movies, classic novels…all conjure a nostalgia for time and place. To indulge in the classics is to take comfort. So it is with the 2020 Pantone color of the year, Classic Blue. According to the Pantone web site, Classic Blue is meant to represent the sky at dusk, instilling calm, confidence, and connection. This enduring blue hue highlights our desire for a dependable and stable foundation on which to build as we cross the threshold into a new era.

The color of the year is not meant only as a visual theme. Classic Blue can be representative of scents and sounds as well. According to an article by Kirsi Goldynia, CNN. The official Classic Blue scent is described in part as a “contemplation of where sky and sea meet,” the taste as, “flowering vines,” and the touch as a, “soft velvety texture.” Finally, the sound of Classic Blue is described as, “vivid nostalgia.” Another interpretation: Classic Blue has an earthy, floral musk; a sugary flavor evocative of blue raspberry syrup; the feel of a brand new, plush couch; and an underwater, ethereal sound.

So, how will you wear it? Blue is generally a favorite color of many, we certainly wear it as our ubiquitous blue jeans, and in our jewelry as well. Three of the most popular gem colors are blues, such as the Tanzanite, which is a cornflower blue, sapphire, which is a medium to rich deep blue, and blue topaz, which is usually a pale, sky blue. If you don’t want to wear Classic Blue, you can incorporate it into your lifestyle, as you will find it in paint colors, patio furniture cushions, and a plethora of home accents. If you have gorgeous blue eyes, then you already know that wearing blue can really enhance your eye color, so you could make Classic Blue your signature color for 2020. If you don’t think you look especially good in blue, though, you could always snack on some blueberries while listening to the Moody Blues while wearing your blue suede shoes. As with other trends, you may choose to adopt the Pantone Color of the Year subtly, and incorporate it into your accessories, such as a handbag or scarf. That way, you won’t be singing the fashion blues.

What was the 2019 color of the year? Read about In Living Coral here.

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