A Valentine’s Day favorite, chocolates are there one day and gone the next. May we suggest something different this year? A miniature kiss that lasts forever. Savor it for years to come!

Muted color gems include coral, spessartite, garnet, morganite, purple topaz, iolite and green quartz. Steely gray and blue-grays can be found in gems such as blue chalcedony, moonstone, and tahitian pearls. Designs that blend artisan craftsmanship or natural elements vines, leaves or wood textures are a good match for a natural color palette.

The buyers at Penelope Poet work to fill the store with jewelry pieces that have emotional resonance. And since colors often reflect our emotions and mindset, we spend a fair amount of time studying color and working to understand influences and trends in everyday life. By better understanding mindsets, we are able to tailor our jewelry selection of bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings to reflect how these items fit into a person’s lifestyle. How are we doing? Tell us!

Minimalism begins with clean lines and simple shapes. Minimalist jewelry styles are less complicated expression of luxury. For a descriptive visual, imagine beach-like colors and romantic free form leaves and floral vine patterns. Half-toned neutrals, faded multi-colors paired with clean lines and simple shapes that bring a sense of order and serenity to an over-hyped world.

Minimalist style rings have one major benefit over minimalist necklaces — the wearer gets to enjoy looking at the design all day long.

With this Ring
Authors: Penny Proddow , Marion Fasel
Editorial Reviews:
From Publishers Weekly
“Whether one is in the market for a wedding ring or simply in the mood to drool over the excesses of the rich and famous, this little gift book has enough sparkle to satisfy most female readers, though it’s hardly the “ultimate” guide that the subtitle proclaims. Indeed, while it contains some practical tips on the “4Cs” (carat, clarity, cut and color) and a brief history of wedding jewelry, the book’s primary draw is its section on celebrities and their rocks, which is no surprise considering the authors’ previous collaborations, Bejeweled: Great Designers, Celebrity Style and Hollywood Jewels: Movies, Jewelry, Stars. Stunning photos by Darrin Haddad capture the brilliance of the artfully designed ring that Brad Pitt gave Jennifer Aniston and the delicacy of the diamond.”

500 Wedding Rings
About the Book
“Wedding rings symbolize commitment and eternal love–but in the hands of the world’s most creative jewelers they become works of art to interpret in endlessly intriguing ways. This breathtaking book, which showcases a stunning collection of contemporary, handmade wedding bands and engagement rings for men and women, shows just how far their imaginations can go. Masterfully set diamonds stand alongside conceptual designs that reflect a cutting-edge approach, such as Etienne Perret’s ring made for two fingers. The large gems in James Kaya’s sleek platinum setting, by contrast, seem almost suspended in air; it’s the tension of the surrounding metal that holds them in place. For jewelers in search of new ideas, and those about to whisper “I do,” these designs provide beautiful inspiration.”

Wire & Beaded Wedding Jewelry & Accessories: 35 Step by Step Projects
About the Book
“For beautiful, stylish designs that will give you a truly individual wedding day, look no further than Wire & Beaded Wedding Jewelry and Accessories. Linda Jones offers 35 wonderful ideas for jewellery, accessories and decorations, all made from wire and beads, to make the happiest day of your life even more memorable without costing the earth. There are step-by-step projects for elegant wedding jewellery, including necklaces, bracelets and earrings, as well as tiaras and hair slides. You’ll also discover ideas for invitations, table decorations and favours. The book is divided into four chapters – one for each season. The Flora and Flame Necklace and Earring Set is perfect for a spring bride, while summer jewellery includes the intricate Sun Ray Collar Necklace. The autumn collection is infused with red and gold colours, contrasting with silver and crystal for winter weddings. With a comprehensive techniques section explaining all you need to know for working with wire and beads, plus variations to offer further inspiration, you’ll soon be able to adapt the designs to suit your own wedding style, as well as for other occasions, such as proms and balls.”

Six journey design concepts:
• Diamonds are arranged from smallest to largest, symbolizing how love grows over time
• A never-ending circle pendant shows how love grows and never ends
• The classic drop pendant symbolizes how love increases over time
• A graceful curve represents a winding journey where love grows through all the twists and turns
• Zigzag jewelry represents the unexpected adventures a couple shares, growing closer along the way
• Ladder pendants are said to show each rising step of a couple’s devotion

The notion of journey designs entered mainstream fashion midway through the last decade. Journey pendants became vastly popular jewelry gifts based on the underlying sentiment that a couple’s love increases throughout their journey together over a lifetime. The multitude of styles and price options provides true staying power, even in a rough economy. The slow to recover economy is another sign that a couple’s life together is always an adventure.

Dragon Pendant from Artist Jemma Rane

YEAR OF THE DRAGON
The Chinese year 4710 begins on Jan. 23, 2012. It is the year of the dragon according to the Chinese zodiac. The dragon is said to bring new beginnings and good fortune. Dragon’s are celebrated for their power, and as guardians who protect all that we hold dear. Visit Lunar New Year Houston to learn more about Lunar New Year and the Chinese zodiac.