Reflecting on last year

Look back for a moment… what did you accomplish this year? And what rewarding, empowering things did you do to honor your achievements? Odds are, the first list far outnumbers the second. Celebrating our successes is important. We often don’t take the time to acknowledge all that we’ve accomplished – both at work and in our personal lives.

Saying thank you to you

But it should be a time that we give ourselves a pat on the back – to celebrate the small achievements we make throughout the course of each day and the large achievements we make throughout the year. Who says you can’t treat yourself to something nice? You’ve worked hard this holiday season, carefully considering gifts that made your loved ones happy. Now that the holiday shopping is over, it’s time to say goodbye to the gift list and hello to a special treat for you.

Treat yourself today and everyday

This year, resolve to do something nice for yourself. Make the new year a time to celebrate you. Your achievements in 2010 contribute to who you are today. Make them a source of inspiration going forward. If you achieved all this in 2010, think about what wonderful things you can do next year.

If jewelry is your indulgence…

There are many possibilities for treating yourself once you’ve made the resolution to do it. For some, that special indulgence might just be jewelry-related. If you’ve been holding back on purchasing an extravagant pair of earrings or an extra-special necklace, what are you waiting for? To get you in the spirit of giving to yourself, we’ve shared some inspirational choices worth indulging in.

These truly fabulous Zeghani Diamond Circle Drop Earrings will make you sparkle long after the crystal ball drops. 14 karat white gold open circles are pavé set with round brilliant diamonds plus drop concentric bright polish and diamond pavé circles.

A gorgeous string of Baroque South Sea Graduated Pearls, 11-14mm, complement a range of other tones and colors, including silvers and golds. Rather than being perfectly symmetrical, each pearl has a unique character, making for a one-of-a-kind piece. It’s a classic look that you’ll wear for years to come.

The Simon G Black & White Diamond Flower Ring is simply adorable. Swirling petals of pavé set diamonds make this flower ring a wonder to behold. Set in 18 karat white gold, 1.23TW of round brilliant white diamonds are edged with 0.40TW of pavé set black diamonds.

For an indulgent look, the Judith Ripka Eclipse Canary Crystal Ring delivers high-impact beauty at an affordable price. A faceted cushion of glowing canary crystal, set in a sterling silver ring, is accented by heart-shaped prongs and 0.06TW of round brilliant diamonds.

If you’re committed to your new resolution to honor your achievements throughout the year, a Pandora bracelet is perfect for the occasion. Each Pandora jewelry item is a handmade Danish design in sterling silver or 14 karat gold. With more than 300 handcrafted charms to choose from, this completely customizable bracelet is designed to reflect your individual milestones.

Let us know how you celebrated!

So, enjoy the new year! It’s all about you! And stop by Skeie’s and let us know how you celebrated. If you’re looking for additional ways to reward yourself, we’ve got some great new pieces we’d love to share with you. We hope to see you in the New Year!

Last week in our Sparkly Holiday Gift Ideas, we shared some of our favorite romantic jewelry picks. If you’re still searching for that “just-right gift,” we think these ideas are the perfect answer to the question, “what should I get the woman I love?” Whether your romance is just beginning, or you’re celebrating 25 beautiful years together, we have gift recommendations that she’ll cherish for a lifetime. Simply add a festive bow and watch her reaction when she sees her sparkly romantic gift, a holiday surprise neither of you will soon forget.

1. Say “I love you” with the Roberto Coin “I Love You More” Bangle Bracelet in 18 karat gold, inscribed with the phrase “I love you more” English, French, Italian, and Spanish on each side. The romantic gift features Roberto Coin’s signature ruby set inside the bracelet.
2. Express yourself with the Baroni “Love Always” Matte Charms Necklace from the Baroni Del Corazon Collection. The inspirational necklace features a petite freshwater pearl and two sterling silver round charms engraved with the words “Love” and “Always” suspended on a 16″ ball chain necklace.
3. Celebrate your past, present and future with the Jabel Diamond Classic Three Stone Ring featuring beautiful round brilliant diamonds hand selected and set by Skeie’s. Centered in this 18 karat white gold ring is a brilliant 1.02 carat H/VS2 round diamond, accompanied by two equally gorgeous, round brilliant diamonds.
4. Dazzle her with the Spark Classico Ruby & Diamond Trio Earrings from the Classico Collection, featuring three oval rubies, framed by round brilliant diamonds, and set in 18 karat yellow gold.
5. Commemorate a life-long romance with the Precision Diamond Pave Eternity Ring, a platinum 3 row eternity ring pave set with 0.95TW of round brilliant diamonds.
6. Surprise her with Stanton Garnet Milgrain Dangle Earrings that feature 14 karat yellow gold settings with milgrain details, pierced gallery, and articulating wires for pierced ears. Each earring measures 6mm square and is bezel set with cushion shaped, checkerboard cut Garnet.
7. Give her “your heart” with the Diamond Gothic Heart Pendant, a beautiful and trendy necklace featuring an 18 karat white gold Gothic style heart pendant pave set with 0.40TW of round brilliant diamonds.

Need help picking the right size, color, or other details of your romantic gift? Come visit us at Skeie’s. Stay tuned on Twitter and visit the blog next week for more Sparkly Holiday Gift Ideas.

This week, we shared some of our favorite sparkly blue jewelry in honor of December birthdays. If you’re shopping for a special someone who also happens to be celebrating a birthday this month, a birthstone gift of blue topaz is sure to brighten their spirits.

A Beautiful Blue Birthstone

Clockwise from top left: Eichhorn Blue Topaz with Sapphire & Diamond Fade Ring, Frederic Sage Blue Topaz & Diamond Jellybean Earrings, Cheri Dori Diamond Hoop Earrings, Baccarat Turquoise Crystal Lucky Butterfly, Judith Ripka Blue Quartz Heart Charm Bracelet, Victorinox Swiss Army Chrono Classic watch and Mikimoto Elements of Life Pearl & Blue Sapphire Bracelet

Blue Topaz, whose name is said to derive from the Sanskrit word for fire, more closely resembles clear blue skies than fiery flames. Its shades range from frosty light blue to a dark London blue. While pure Topaz is colorless, minor changes of elements within the stone result in a variety of other colors, such as blue, pale green, red, yellow and pink. The blue hue is created when Topaz is heated, whether the heat source is natural or engineered by man. Topaz is found primarily in Brazil, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, Mexico, Pakistan, China, and the United States.

For a trend-setting December birthday girl, Frederic Sage Blue Topaz & Diamond Jellybean Earrings are guaranteed to delight. Hypnotic drop earrings are crafted in 18 karat white gold and set with two 7.79 carat blue topaz cabochon centers.

The Eichhorn Blue Topaz with Sapphire & Diamond Fade Ring would be a stunning gift for celebrating a birthday or the holidays. A 13mm x 13mm, 11.68ct Fancy Cut Blue Topaz is the centerpiece for this intoxicating 18K white gold ring.

The alternative birthstone of December is turquoise. The Baccarat Turquoise Crystal Lucky Butterfly would be a unique keepsake sure to be treasured for years to come. Made in France, this beautiful collector’s item is handcrafted from fine French crystal.

Classic Charmers

For that special guy on your shopping list, the Victorinox Swiss Army Chrono Classic watch with Blue Dial is the perfect choice. Made in Switzerland, the stainless steel watch features precision Swiss analog quartz movement, a blue dial, and an anti-reflective sapphire crystal face.

For the woman who loves diamonds and feminine frills, we recommend Cheri Dori Diamond Hoop Earrings. The combination of white hinged diamond hoops with eight floating brilliant diamonds makes these quite sparkly indeed.

A Judith Ripka Blue Quartz Heart Charm Bracelet with a rhodium-plated sterling silver link chain and a dangling blue quartz Fontaine heart charm is another lovely option.

Finally, an item that is topping many customer’s wish list, is the Mikimoto Elements of Life Pearl & Blue Sapphire Bracelet. Inspired by water, Mikimoto’s Ocean sparkles in shades of blue sapphires and waves of radiant Akoya cultured pearls.

Stay tuned on Twitter and visit the blog next week for more Sparkly Holiday Gift Ideas, and let us know what’s on your wish list.

Whether you cheer for the Oregon Ducks or the Oregon Beavers (or secretly wear one team’s jersey underneath another), we’d like to wish both teams good luck! To honor our Oregon teams, we’ve put together a collection of jewelry that may have you saying, “I bleed yellow and green” or “I am orange” on game day.

Ducks

(Clockwise from top left) Frederic Sage Lemon Quartz & Diamond Jelly Bean Cushion Ring, Stanton Cushion Cut Peridot Pendant, Eichhorn Green Tourmaline and Diamond Crescendo Ring, Eichhorn Yellow Quartz, Tsavorite, and Diamond Drop Earrings , Eichhorn Lemon Quartz with Tsavorite & Diamond Fade Ring, Precision Set Emerald & Diamond Channel Band , University of Oregon Duck Brooch

Beavers

(Clockwise from top left) Judith Ripka Eclipse Black Onyx Ring, Frederic Sage Citrine & Diamond Deco Necklace, Imperial Topaz & Diamond Crescendo Ring, Zeghani Citrine & Diamond Drop Earrings, Roberto Coin Fantasia Black Sapphire & Diamond Disc Pendant , Xen Hint Black Pearl Drop Earrings, Xen Orange Moonstone Ring, Frederic Sage Citrine & Diamond Jellybean Ring

Skeie’s Jewelers has long focused on offering ideal cut diamonds. In an effort to provide the best selection and service to our customers, we’ve turned that focus on creating a cut that is unique to Skeie’s and reflective of the expertise that our staff brings.

As we’ve searched for the best diamonds over the years, we saw most cushion shapes with large shield shaped facets on the pavilion, which were creating light leakage.

“So many times we would look at the fancy shape diamonds and instead of seeing what the diamond was, we only saw where the diamond was deficient,” explains Skeie’s Diamond Buyer Kathy Cary. “We were looking for brilliance, sparkle and fire in a 21st century shape.“

“Our goal was simply to create a cushion shaped diamond that had maximum fire and brilliance. We started with what was the best parts of a finely cut round brilliant and applied it to the cushion shape.”

The Anna Diamond captures the fire and brilliance in a cushion shape cut because of its unique characteristics:

• Eight pavilion mains similar to the round brilliant

• Four additional lower girdle facets to reduce the size of lower girdles on the flat edges, breaking the returning light into more sparkle.

• Proper crown and pavilion angles. Most commercially cut fancy shapes base the crown and pavilion angles on maximizing weight, instead of maximizing brilliance

• Smaller table. A smaller table gives the room for larger kite facets, which gives another plane for light to enter from.

• Higher crown improves the chances for light entering the diamond to fall within the critical angle needed for maximum light return to the eye.

• Properly proportioned girdle. Many fancy shaped diamonds have a thick girdle for weight retention which changes the stones ability to return light to the eye.

This extraordinary gem is named Anna after the wife of Skeie’s Jeweler’s founder, Ollie Skeie. Ollie and Anna’s love story began in Norway. When Ollie and Anna were courting, Ollie would row across a fjord – a day’s journey – just to see her. Their touching love story began more than 80 years ago, and Skeie’s hopes that their story will continue to inspire true love for years to come.

Join us as we celebrate the sparkle of the season and introduce the new Anna Diamond. At our holiday party, you’ll have a chance to preview extended collections from our favorite designers, and enter to win a $500 gift certificate just by telling us your wish.

Small and Sparkly Pendants

From the Diamond Flower to the Diamond Heart Key, Skeie’s has a fantastic collection of small, sparkly pendants that very on trend, and perfect for layering with other necklaces or worn alone. These beautiful white gold pendants are accented with round brilliant white diamonds and are available at a great price point (less than $500).

Exotic Animal Print Rings

Available in zebra print and giraffe print, these innovative rings feature black, white, and yellow round brilliant diamonds set in 14 karat yellow gold. The exotic tapered dome setting and fun patterns make for delightfully unique cocktail rings. ($2500-$2700)

Baroque South Sea Multi-Colored Strand of Pearls

This gorgeous string of graduated pearls, 11-14mm, complement a range of other tones and colors, including silvers and golds. Rather than being perfectly symmetrical, each pearl has a unique character, making for a one-of-a-kind piece. It’s a classic look that’s young and appropriate for women of all ages. ($6,000)

Citrine

The name citrine comes from an old French word, “citrin,” meaning lemon. Citrine crystals are found in igneous metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. It’s possible that some citrine may have begun as amethyst, but heat from nearby molton rock changed it to the yellow form of quartz. Most citrine is mined in Brazil, and it can also be found in Bolivia, Madagascar, Russia, and Spain.

Citrine is a variety of quartz, ranging in colors of yellow to red. Natural citrine is a pale yellow to orange, and is much lighter than heat-treated material, which becomes dark orange-brown to reddish-brown. All heat-treated material has a reddish tint, whereas the natural stone does not. Although citrine is often mistaken for topaz, it’s bright yellow color and unique properties make it quite remarkable on its own.

Topaz

The second November birthstone, topaz, is found in various colors, such as dark blue, pink, light green, and red, but it truly shines in yellow and gold. Fine orange and imperial topaz are among the rarer varieties of topaz, and their higher prices reflect their scarcity. This more unusual shade is typically found in Brazil, and topaz is also mined in Australia, Brazil, Madagascar, Mexico and the United States.

The word topaz has its origins in Middle English, Old French, and Latin, as well as “topazios,” which is the old Greek name for an island in the Red Sea, now called Zabargad.  The island never produced topaz, but it was once a source of peridot, which was sometimes mistakenly called topaz. Today, citrine is sometimes sold as topaz; thus, buyers should purchase topaz from a reputable source to verify its authenticity.

Both citrine and topaz are available in a variety of vibrant shades and multi-faceted cuts. The earth-toned gemstones are complimented by yellow gold settings and often accented by white diamonds. We’ve included some of our favorite citrine and topaz pieces here, just in time for a November birthday.

Zeghani Citrine and Diamond Drop Earrings

These elegant dangle earrings, designed by Simon G., are created in 14 karat yellow gold and feature pear shaped citrine drops framed and accented by pavé set brilliant cut diamonds. Zeghani combines sophisticated styling with fashion forward affordability.

Zeghani Citrine & Diamond Drop Earrings

Frederic Sage Citrine and Diamond Jellybean Ring

The one-of-a-kind designs of Frederic Sage are perfect for making a birthday girl feel truly special. This citrine and diamond Jellybean ring features rich 18 karat yellow gold with an 8.95 carat citrine cabochon center accented with 0.12TW diamonds.

Frederic Sage Citrine and Diamond Jellybean Ring

Citrine Drop Station Necklace

This beautiful drop station necklace features fifteen evenly spaced, faceted pear shaped citrine drops on a 24 inch long, 14 karat yellow gold diamond cut cable chain. It’s a truly unique necklace with classic styling.

Citrine Drop Station Necklace

Imperial Topaz and Diamond Crescendo Ring

For a truly extravagant gift, this imperial topaz and diamond ring from Eichhorn is sure to impress. Crafted in 18 karat white gold, a swirling crescendo of 0.89TW pavé set diamonds surround an inviting 5.09 carat oval imperial topaz.

Imperial Topaz and Diamond Crescendo Ring

For more gift ideas for November birthdays, take a look at our citrine and topaz earrings, necklaces and rings online or visit the store. If you would like to learn more about these gemstones, the expert staff at Skeie’s would be happy to help you.

Skeie’s has an array of gorgeous cocktail rings to choose from, and we’ve picked out a few that are sure to start conversations wherever you go.

Eichhorn Citrine & Sapphire Diamond Fade Ring

Eichhorn Citrine with Sapphire Diamond Fade Ring

This stunning Eichhorn ring is the perfect jewel-toned accessory for fall. A 5.74 fancy oval Citrine is the centerpiece for this intoxicating 18 karat white gold ring. The surrounding gallery is pavé set with a frame of .30TW round brilliant diamonds and a wave of variegated yellow and orange sapphires.

Rose Quartz, Sapphire & Diamond Ring

Rose Quartz, Sapphire and Diamond Ring

We can’t help but swoon over this pink show-stopping ring in rose quartz, sapphire & diamond. The 18 karat pink gold ring is centered by a gorgeous bezel set rose quartz cabochon surrounded by a fiery halo of pavé set variegated white diamonds and pink sapphires.

Frederic Sage Amethyst & Diamond Jellybean Ring

Frederic Sage Amethyst and Diamond Jelly Bean Ring

Nothing says eye candy like Frederic Sage’s unique jellybean rings. This enchanting ring is crafted in 18 karat pink gold and set with a 6.92 carat Amethyst cabochon center accented with 0.10TW diamonds.

Eichhorn Lemon Quartz & Diamond Ring

Eichhorn Lemon Quartz & Diamond Ring

This lustrous, eye-catching piece from Eichhorn is the epitome of a bold, brilliant cocktail ring. A fancy 14.25 carat cushion cut lemon yellow quartz is the centerpiece for this effervescent 18 karat white gold ring. Surrounded by a pavé set frame of 0.75TW cognac diamonds and embraced with shoulders pave set 0.42 white diamonds.

Mikimoto Legacy Diamond Pearl and Onyx Ring

MIKIMOTO Legacy Diamond Pearl and Onyx Ring

The coveted vintage looks of early cocktail rings are not just a thing of the past with art-deco inspired recreations of original Mikimoto designs of the 1920s and 1930s. The platinum ring features a 5.5mm Akoya cultured Pearl surrounded by 0.35TW of pavé set diamonds and accented with tear drops of black onyx.

Roberto Coin Smoky Quartz Diamond MOP Cocktail Ring

Roberto Coin Smoky Quartz Diamond MOP Cocktail Ring

The Diamond MOP cocktail ring from Roberto Coin is a true conversation piece. Set in 18 karat rose gold, an oval smoky quartz cabochon overlays a mother-of-pearl tablet for a stunning optical effect. The dark, mysterious center is surrounded by 1.04TW frame of pavé set round brilliant diamonds.

Historical Highlights

The broad spectrum of colors found in tourmaline make it a very unique gemstone. The reason, according to an old Egyptian legend, is that tourmaline, on its way up from the center of the Earth, passed over a rainbow. This beautiful explanation may not be very scientific, but it does help explain the mystical qualities associated with tourmaline. Tourmalines are found all over the world.

Egyptian legend says that tourmaline, on its way up from the center of the Earth, passed over a rainbow.

There are major deposits in Brazil, Sri Lanka, and many African countries. Tourmalines are also found in the U.S., mainly in California and Maine. Becoming popular in the late 19th century, tourmaline continues to fascinate jewelry designers and buyers alike.

Composition and Color

Tourmalines are mixed crystals aluminum boron silicate with a changing composition. The mineral group is complex, and even slight changes in the composition result in completely different colors. Crystals of only a single color are fairly rare; in fact, various colors and various nuances of those colors are often displayed in one crystal. Stones with two colors are known as bicolored tourmalines, and those with more than two are known as multicolored tourmalines. Tourmalines are very hard gemstones (usually 7 to 7.5 on the Mohs scale) and therefore have excellent wearing quality.

Inspired Ideas

With its beautiful stones available in every color, tourmaline is the perfect gemstone for pleasing every woman’s tastes. We’ve selected a few tourmaline pieces that will make lovely gifts for the special October birthday girl in your life.

Eichhorn Green Tourmaline and Diamond Crescendo Ring

For the girl who loves green, this glamorous tourmaline ring is the perfect choice. Crafted in 18 karat white gold, the Eichhorn ring features a swirling crescendo of 0.89TW pave set diamonds, surrounding a 5.06 carat oval cut green tourmaline gemstone.

Eichhorn Green Tourmaline & Diamond Crescendo Ring

Stanton Cushion Cut Tourmaline Pendant

This pink pendant is both modern and feminine, classic and bold. From Stanton, this 14 karat white gold pendant with milgrain details and a bezel set 6mm square, cushion cut pink tourmaline necklace is sure to delight any birthday girl.

Stanton Cushion Cut Tourmaline Pendant

Baccarat Tourmaline Crystal Zinzin Heart

Who says you have to wear your heart on your sleeve? This breathtaking Baccarat paperweight would be a cherished addition to any woman’s home collection or desk. Handcrafted from fine French crystal, this pink tourmaline Crystal Zinzin heart is a stunning gift choice.

Baccarat Tourmaline Crystal Zinzin Heart

Skeie’s offers a beautiful selection of tourmaline jewelry perfect for honoring an important October birthday. Visit the expert staff at Skeie’s to see more examples of tourmaline necklaces, rings, earrings and gifts available in an array of colors.

Denise Rosetti Vendley – Rosetti Marketing

Custom-Crafted, Vintage-Inspired Skeie's Emerald & Diamond Ring

I love Skeie’s Custom Emerald and Diamond ring. I think the design is gorgeous — it looks like vintage jewelry to me which is my favorite. I’m a silver (or platinum) girl so this style would match all my other jewelry… Just be sure to send a link to your blog to my husband!

Mikayle Anderson – SeenEugene

Cherie Dori Green Quartz Lady Bug Earrings

I like this set by Cheri Dori because the earrings are articulated. The color of the stone is such a light green-blue, and I’ve never seen that before. The rough detail in the gold adds a depth and texture that contrasts well with the sparkle of the stones. I don’t normally like gold, but I think it works well with the color of the stone.

Carrie Aker – SocialMARCOM

Baroni Madison Pearl Stud Earrings

Pearls are a classic. I love that Skeie’s has such an extensive selection of pearl jewelry. One of my favorites is the Baroni Madison Pearl Stud earrings. The set would be great for any occasion and any outfit. Another unique piece is the MIKIMOTO Everything is Possible with Hope Pendant.  Inspired by the pink ribbon for breast cancer awareness, the pendant features beautiful pink sapphires, diamonds and a cultured Akoya pearl. I would wear it not only for October breast cancer awareness month, but year-round.

MIKIMOTO Everything is Possible with Hope Pendant

Mindy Lockard – The Gracious Girl

Baroque Tahitian Pearl Strand

I think the “little black dress” in a woman’s jewelery box is a strand of pearls. They are easy to dress up and the perfect accessory to jeans and a t-shirt! Because they are pearls, you assume you know them. Yet the deep tone adds an element of mystery, a little edge. A perfect twist to a classic accessory!

Dana Turrell – CAWOOD

Silver PANDORA Bracelet and Breast Cancer Awareness Pink Cubic Zirconia Ribbon

I love the Pandora charm bracelets. I was just given one as a gift. It has the pink ribbon and hope charms on it. I love the idea of adding to it for special occasions and meaningful gifts. I will always remember the significance of each and every charm.

Mason Hughes – UO Student & AHPR Business Manager

Xen Thoughtful Solid Pipe-Cut Band

I love the simplicity and clean look of the Xen Thoughtful Solid Pipe Cut Band. It’s a ring that goes with anything, casual or formal. The square edges give it a masculine, modern look and the smooth design ensures that you won’t have to worry about scratching it or stones falling out. It could be worn on any finger, but I think it would look cool on your index finger or thumb.

Thanks to all our fans! If you have a pick you’d like to share, please let us know! Or come in anytime, try on a few things and fill out a “wish list” card.

Banner photo by SeenEugene.