Imagine it: You’re with your boyfriend on a romantic dinner date. Everything’s perfect—the mood lighting, the soft music, the food, the wine. You look into his eyes and you can just tell he loves you with all his heart, and you feel the same way about him. He’s usually so comfortable around you, but tonight he’s fidgety and seems nervous. The reality hits you when he kneels down in front of you with a small box. The whole world seems to stop as he slowly opens it…

But what does the ring look like? Is it antique or modern? Yellow gold, white gold or platinum? Is the diamond a princess cut? Round brilliant? Then there are the characteristics you can’t easily see….is it colorless or nearly colorless? Slightly included or very slightly included? Maybe very very slightly included?!

There are a lot of options to take into consideration when choosing the engagement ring that’s right for you, so imagine how overwhelmed your boyfriend must feel! You don’t want to pressure him, but you feel that things are getting serious, and you think he might need a little extra confidence to finally pop the question.

Abazias will give him that confidence, and a way for you to do your research and drop subtle hints! The homepage of the site has a diamond search feature with cut options and four different sliders for price, carat, color and clarity, so you can search for a specific diamond in a specific price range. Then you can “build” a ring with your chosen diamond (out of over 150,000 loose diamonds available!) and a whole slew of settings. The site will even save your ring, so next time you visit it, you don’t have to search all over again! And, of course, they have full descriptions of the different characteristics of diamonds (the 4 C’s), plus frequently asked questions and diamond “lessons” so you can feel good about your informed final decision.

This is seriously handy, ladies. Even if you’re not in a huge hurry to get engaged, this site is ultra addicting. And the idea of strategically leaving your ideal ring up on the computer screen for your boyfriend to see could possibly work. Or at least plant the idea in his head for the future!

With the help of the experts at Abazias, you can take comfort in knowing that your engagement will be truly magical and memorable—and a little less stressful for him!

Photo from Abazias.com

-Keri

One of my favorite comedies, the 2000 movie starring Mel Gibson and Helen Hunt, offered one …uhmmm… explanation. But my informal and extremely unscientific poll conducted at Thanksgiving yesterday, yielded quite another!

The question I posed to my girlfriends was simply, “What one holiday gift do you want most from your boyfriend/husband/significant other?” The answer was not a total surprise. Even in a down economy, the answer was overwhelmingly – diamonds! However, as we all know, the economy is a factor, at least for most gift givers. So, in the spirit of giving a girl what she wants, I’ve compiled a list of lust-worthy, fabulous jewelry that features those oh-so-sparkly gems.

For example, “Past, present and future necklaces” are always a favorite. For a sentimental holiday, try this 10k white gold, 1/8ct TDW diamond necklace from www.Overstock.com.  At $73.79 (over half off the original price of $149) you save a bundle and look like a hero!

Or, show her some love with these “Two Hearts Silver Earrings” from Giselle for Hot Diamonds (www.hotdiamonds.com), one of my absolute favorite firms for young, contemporary fine jewelry. Founded in 2001, Hot Diamonds has been the #1 selling jewelry brand in the UK for over 6 years and has taken the US by storm. In addition to great designs, Hot Diamonds pieces are also very affordable. These gorgeous earrings are only $80.

Slightly more of a spurge, but still under $300, I found this contemporary, 14K white gold diamond ring with a 0.11-carat round bezel-set diamond for $295 at www.Toxsur.com. Beautiful and elegant, this quite simply might be the most perfect present ever!

At these prices, diamonds really are a girl’s best friend!

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, fashion blogger

 and sales manager for the WHIMSY jewelry line. Susan

also writes for http://mcneilldesigns.wordpress.com and

http://successwontwaitinc.wordpress.com

According to our most recent (and somewhat unscientific!) poll, the item most of you can’t live without for fall is…. the perfect cardigan! I can’t say I’m surprised because I am a huge fan of cardigans of all sorts.

The cardigan is such a versatile piece — you can shrug it on when you’re cold at the theatre, tie it around your shoulders if you get warm at a tailgate, dress it up with a silk scarf for work or throw it over a cotton sundress for the weekend. A cardigan is a real investment piece, but finding just the right one can be tricky.

One of my favorites is the “boyfriend cardigan.” Worn in the same spirit as this season’s trendy boyfriend blazer or boyfriend jeans, this cardigan reminds me vividly of 1950’s Varsity letter sweaters, brilliant autumn leaves and college football games. An infinitely more chic variation of this trend is Ralph Lauren’s Leather-Patch Wool Cardigan. This piece is made of lightweight merino wool and has adorable oval leather elbow patches. Luxurious in gray or black, this cardigan will set you back $345.

Another great look to snuggle into is the wrap cardigan. Not a cardigan in the strictest sense of the word (no buttons!), this sweater is still a must-have for fall. Anne Taylor’s version, a heavenly blend of cotton, cashmere and silk would be perfect layered with a sexy, lacy cami. This weekend staple is only $95.

But once the weekend is over, you don’t have to put your cardigans away! Some of this season’s longer sweaters even look right for work and can often replace a jacket. Paired with a neutral toned pencil skirt, pumps, and accessories like a twisted pearl choker, these pieces look fresher and more approachable that a stiff and serious jacket. One of the best and most affordable examples that I’ve found is the Applique Trim Cardigan from Twelve by Twelve at Forever 21. Perfect length, great colors and even a super fun jeweled and feathered embellished brooch (another hot trend). Super affordable (buy several colors!) at only $32.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, fashion blogger

 and sales manager for the WHIMSY jewelry line. Susan

also writes for http://mcneilldesigns.wordpress.com and

http://successwontwaitinc

On September 10, 11, and 12 Whitten’s Fine Jewelry will hold a Trollbeads Trunk Show. If you don’t know what Trollbeads are yet, you will soon! Modern Jeweler magazine names the beautiful Murano glass and sterling silver “personality” beads as one of the Top Trends of 2009 in their most recent issue.

Trunk Show Specials!

• First 15 people each day receive a free PAX bead with $50 purchase (retail value $28)
• Buy three beads, receive one free (bead of lesser value is free)
• Buy a 14-karat gold bead, receive a white diamond or black diamond bead free (retail value $52)

Visit Whitten’s Fine Jewelry at 4719 Kirkwood Highway in Wilmington, Delaware.

Hours:

• Thursday 10-6
• Friday 10-6
• Saturday 10-4

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, fashion blogger

 and sales manager for the WHIMSY jewelry line. Susan

also writes for http://mcneilldesigns.wordpress.com and

http://successwontwaitinc

Since 1977, artist and jeweler R. Craig Whitten has created one-of-a-kind jewelry for discriminating clients. From coast to coast, his pieces are designed to showcase each client’s individuality. His original designs can be seen regularly gracing instantly recognizable faces in music, television, stage and fashion.

The following interview explains his dedication to the use of recycled materials, his love of great design and most importantly – what’s next for the WHIMSY™ line.

How did the WHIMSY™ line come about?

In 2008, I created a very special ring as a gift for my wife Cynthia. She’s a huge fan of Murano glass bead jewelry, but she couldn’t find an attractive ring that would incorporate the beautiful beads. So, I created a simple, elegant piece that highlighted the beauty of the beads and allowed her to change them easily to match her various bracelets and outfits.

After seeing the ring, her friends and coworkers began asking for rings for themselves and to give as gifts. In 2009, we launched WHIMSY™, a collection of interchangeable bead rings that are uniquely customizable.

The WHIMSY line is created entirely using reclaimed and recycled sterling silver, 14-karat gold and gemstones. Why did you decide to use reclaimed materials in your designs?

It’s about being responsible. Everyone still wants beautiful jewelry and lots of style. They don’t have to sacrifice style in order to use reclaimed materials. With the WHIMSY™ jewelry line, the two come together for some truly gorgeous jewelry that you can feel good about wearing!

Why do you think it’s important for the jewelry industry to “go green”?

If we don’t who will? This may be a small step, but it’s a step in the right direction.

Where do you get your materials?

We purchase “old” gold, sterling silver and gemstones directly from consumers, rather than use post-industrial scrap materials. We also produce on-site. So we can say with certainty, that the WHIMSY™ jewelry line comes from 100% reclaimed materials.

What’s next in the WHIMSY™ line?

A new collection of ring designs is in process, with a release date for fall 2009. We also have several other pieces to add to the line, some of which also incorporate the use of glass beads. A third collection release is planned for spring 2010.

How can people purchase your products?

Our website is www.whimsyworldwide.com and includes an easy-to-use Store Locator. For convenience, there is also on online shopping option.

Susan McNeill is a wife, mother, author, fashion blogger

 and sales manager for the WHIMSY jewelry line. Susan

also writes for http://mcneilldesigns.wordpress.com and

http://successwontwaitinc.wordpress.com.

Last night, one of country music’s biggest stars, Darius Rucker, performed at the Delaware State Fair. Rucker, formerly of Hootie and the Blowfish, brought the house down. As fellow performer Chuck Wicks said in a tweet that night — Delaware may be small, but we’re loud! 

Julianne Hough and Wicks opened the show for the enthusiastic audience. In addition to their tremendous success in the country music arena, you may also recognize them from Dancing With The Stars.

A shower didn’t seem to dampen the spirits of fair-goers, because as I looked out the windows of the Harrington Casino, the carnival rides were still running and the crowds had donned ponchos, determined not to let the rain put a stop to their fun.

I also dropped off swag baskets backstage for the performers — each containing fabulous luxury items and service from our great state. They included:

WHIMSY

Jewelry line created by nationally acclaimed, Delaware-based designer R. Craig Whitten. A Whimsy ring is an interchangeable bead ring crafted of reclaimed sterling silver. Also included were several Murano glass bead to transform the ring’s look. www.WhimsyWorldwide.com

Pike Creek Coffee

Without question, Delaware’s best coffee! Award-winning coffees included Pike Creek Coffee’s exclusive blends: Greenville Blend, Organic Bolivian, Jamaican Me Crazy, Bananas Foster, Morning Foglifter, Organic Mexican Decaf. www.pikecreekcoffee.com

Winterthur Museum and Gardens

Authorized story of the founding of America’s premiere museum and the country’s largest collection of American antiques by the DuPont family dynasty. Minimum of six passes (or more) to the annual Point-to-Point Steeplechase as well as six passes (or more) to the exclusive Jockey Club luncheon. http://www.winterthur.org/calendar/point_to_point.asp

Currie Salon and Day Spa

Four salons and spas of distinctive design, each staffed by professionals with an unwavering commitment to service and detail. For over 30 years in business, the name Randy Currie has been synonymous with professionalism, creativity, and leadership in the salon industry worldwide. Currie was named the “Beauty Entrepreneur of the Year Global Salon Business Awards” in both 2004-05 and 2006-07. Products included exclusive hair care products, and customized spa day for men or women. http://www.curriedayspa.com/

You’ve been Sentenced!

Featured on The Tonight Show, Today, and in numerous national publications, Delaware’s newest game is seriously hilarious. In addition to the original game, there were several “add-on” decks or specialty-themed decks (Sports, Sci-Fi, Cuisine, etc.) including a Pop Culture deck. www.McNeillDesigns.com

Autographed copy Saratoga Days: A Look Inside Racing’s Greatest Meet, by Sean Clancy

Local author Sean Clancy is a racing legend. During his career as a jockey he won a total of 152 races over the course of 13 years and a national championship in 1998. He was also the 10th highest winner of all time upon his retirement in 2000. In addition to his books, Sean is a contributor for the Daily Racing Form, The Blood-Horse, Mid-Atlantic Thoroughbred and Newsweek among others. http://www.seanclancybloodstock.com/cms/

Delaware Today Magazine

2009-2010 Ultimate Guide to Delaware. Produced by Delaware Today, the definitive authority on the best that the state has to offer – from people to places to products and services. www.delawaretoday.com

-Keri

French fashion? Mai oui!

Travel and Leisure is one of my favorite magazines. Maybe it’s because I don’t get to travel all that often, except to places like Disney World (I do have three children, after all). But reading about fabulous, exotic locations in that glossy magazine soothes a bit of my travel bug.

The July issue featured the World’s Best Awards – resorts, lodges and hotels that simply define luxury. A gorgeous shot of Domaine Des Hauts De Loire in France (World’s Best Inn) immediately captured my attention. Soaring ceilings, detailed mouldings, spectacular carved mantles and furnished with a traditional French je ne said quoi…

I was in heaven and instantly envisioned myself as a guest, then quickly did a double take. My vision was of myself gliding (10 pounds thinner) through the magnificent space, perhaps having a cup of tea snuggled close to the blazing hearth… wearing denim capris and a tank. Hmmm…maybe not. A gorgeous, elegant space like this calls for extra special wardrobe — a French wardrobe.

Now, I have never been to France. However, my husband grew up in Switzerland, so he spent quite a lot of time there. He also has a great “eye,” so last night we discussed at length how much better dressed Europeans are than Americans in general. We agreed — French women have a certain air about them, a confidence to pull off ensembles that would look distinctly out of place in your average American suburban shopping mall.

So, to revamp my Domaine Des hauts De Loire fantasy, how do I achieve French chic without resorting to the vintage Belle Epoque styles recently sported by Michele Pfieffer in Cheri?

My rules for fabulous style with a decidedly French finesse:

Black. A great unifier and oh-so-sophisticated. Europeans wear black in every season. Even a relatively inexpensive outfit looks better in black.

Legs. American women are so programmed to wear jeans or pants, we forget the incredible allure of a swinging hem and glimpse (or more!) of toned leg.

Shoes. I don’t mean sneakers, flip flops, or (heaven forbid!) Crocs. I mean shoes. Real ones made of leather, preferably with a bit of a heel (although embellished ballet flats or high boots are also acceptable).

Good bags. Bags don’t necessarily have to be designer. Great lines are crucial. Also, size matters! Nothing looks worse than a woman with a tiny bag and the some huge, hideous, canvas freebie tote with a slogan emblazoned on it. Go for a larger bag or carry less stuff.

Body conscious designs. Belt it. Cinch it. We all know that French women are notoriously thin. But you can enhance your own silhouette with form fitting designs that create the illusion.

Personality. Hard to define, but easy to spot. Create a signature look. A scarf in the hair, masses ropes of chains/pearls, a hat. Choosing to dress with flair requires a certain degree confidence. People will stare – and that’s okay – because tomorrow they will copy your look.

–Susan

Have you been to InTouch Magazine’s web site?

I have become addicted to it, not only because of the great Hollywood gossip and fantastic photos of celebs (and their clothes!) but because I can try to win some of these same luxury items through their contests at MadBerries.

The other day I was perusing the jewelry section and found an amazing Heather Benjamin ring made of sterling silver and gold drusy. What an unexpected and gorgeous combination! Coincidentally, today I got my August issue of InStyle and what did I find? A gorgeous pair of drusy agate drop earrings from Marcia Moran. So, do I sense a trend here? And what exactly is drusy?

According to the folks at www.Dictionary.com drusy literally means “covered by a large number of minute crystals.” These spectacular gems offer a look that is radically different from either a traditional cut gem or smooth cabochon.

If you haven’t seen a piece made with drusy, the look is somewhat like looking at a flat surface covered with a mass of granulated sugar, sparkling in the light. Now imagine that the sugar is lemon yellow, acid green or shocking pink! Drusy’s textured look and rich, dramatic colors have quickly increased the popularity of the gems, which are fast becoming an accepted new genre of gemstones.

In addition, innovative designers like Benjamin have also increased use of platinum and gold drusy. Platinum drusy has been coated with platinum using a vapor deposition process. The look produced is a stunning coating of snowy, silver on the crystals, resembling thousands of tiny diamonds. Gold drusy usually has an agate host matrix underneath, which is then coated using gold deposited on the crystals (using the same vapor deposition process as platinum drusy). The result? Simply beautiful.

Hmmm…. it would be wonderful to update my fall wardrobe with some new jewelry incorporating this unique gemstone. Guess I’d better go back and win that ring!

–Susan

The JA New York Summer Show is fast approaching and we are all getting excited! Our official Show Planners arrived and a quick peek instantly leads me to the conclusion that this will be the best show ever!

One of the things we are most excited about is the choice of 10 fabulous designers for the New Designers Gallery. These represent an incredibly diverse group of artists whose vision will no doubt lead the way for the jewelry industry for many years to come.

One of my personal favorites is Leila Tai, who is best known for her outstanding plique-à-jour.

Plique-à-jour (French) literally mean “open to light,” an apt description for the enameling method that produces translucent, glowing enamels held in an open framework. Plique-à-jour differs substantially from the more commonly seen cloisonné which offers a supporting surface. The plique-à-jour technique was developed in France and Italy during the 14th century and is widely acknowledged as one of the most technically difficult enameling methods.

Throughout history these miniature works of art have been prized not only for their delicate beauty, but for the high level of skill that is required to execute the detailed designs. In 2001, I had the good fortune to attend an exhibit at the Riverfront Arts Center here in Wilmington which featured over 1,000 masterpieces from more than 30 of the world’s most prestigious private collections and museums. In addition to the legendary Faberge enameled Easter eggs, gem-encrusted tiaras and delicate silverwork, the exhibit also included spectacular examples of the plique-à-jour method prized by kings, queens, tsars, and empresses throughout Europe.

Luckily, now you don’t need to be royalty to own your own piece of history! You can see some of Tai’s amazing designs at her site http://www.leilataidesign.com/. If you are attending JA in New York, Tai will exhibit her collections in the New Designer Gallery. In addition, the AJDC will honor Ms. Tai at an award ceremony and present her with a trophy made by AJDC member Michael Good.

Hope to see you there!

–Susan

JA New York Summer Show

July 26-29, 2009

Javits Convention Center

New York City, NY USA

www.JA-NEWYORK.com

I love scarves. Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I have amassed quite a collection over the years! They add a splash of color and interest to my wardrobe and often add a dash of whimsy, as well.

And, like any collector, my friends and family continually feed my habit by presenting me with fabulous new additions for every birthday, holiday and anniversary. I recently received a gorgeous silk square based on the artwork of Picasso that my mom found at the Louvre, a vintage nautical-inspired piece complete with depictions of an ocean liner and turn-of-the-century wooden deck chairs in lovely, muted colors, and my new favorite — an animal print Valentino from my friend Vincenza’s vacation trip to Italy.

So I was thrilled to learn about a new scarf/wrap/sarong called a Chilly Jilly. Not only are Chilly Jillys beautiful, they are so useful. They are lightweight and are so small that they can be kept right in your purse in their own little bag. But the best part is that they do not wrinkle.  I actually have to say that again – they do not wrinkle. Hooray!

I was fortunate enough to speak with the designer responsible for this minor miracle, Jill Boehler. The following is an excerpt of that conversation. Enjoy! 

What was your inspiration to create the Chilly Jilly?  
In the summer of 2007, my husband and I had just enjoyed a beautiful summer day in Massachusetts with friends.  We were prepared to end the day with wonderful food and conversation at a local restaurant.  As we entered the restaurant we were overcome with a blast of cold air that continued throughout the meal.  My friends and I found ourselves taking turns leaving the restaurant and stepping outside just to warm up.  As I looked around the room, I noticed several women covering themselves with napkins because of the air conditioning.  Most were in short sleeves because it was a warm summer day.  As my husband took his reading glasses out of his pocket to read the menu I remember thinking, “wouldn’t it be nice if there was a wrap small enough to put in your pocket for times like these.” That was my inspirational moment!

What is your design background?

We came across the brooches at a trade show. One of our rep groups was showing a Chilly Jilly with the brooch and we thought it looked great as an added accessory with bling.  They are magnetically fastened.  Great on the Chilly Jilly or anywhere else.