the orchid thief

This is probably my favorite of the 'petal necklace series' the irridescent purply color is to die for. I swear I must have beeen a tacky hippie in an alternate life, I've really got a thing for irridescent stuff. In the summer at Whole Foods they have the most glorious orchids lining a wall that marks off the eating area, so my kids and I will go have sweet treats in the orchid forest. Did you know about orchidelirium? One hybrid word that's supposed to sum up the obsessive madness that claimed people in their avaricious quest to acquire new varieties of orchids during the Victorian era. I love stories of obsession; even if it's oftentimes misdirected and heavy on greed, it makes for good fiction if nothing else.  Four tiny petals of a purply-gold hang on a slender thread of gold chain. It's a simple, elegant piece. Clasp, chain, beads and wire all 14kt gold-filled. 17-1/4" in length. $37

sugar plums

Now visions of sugar plums can dance on your lobes instead of in your head. A spectrum of plum colored pearls and glass wrapped in gold wire hangs on a thin sliver of chain. Delicate and delectable, it's a sweet treat that won't go to your thighs. 1-1/2" in length. All metal is 14kt gold-filled. $19

petals on the wind

Yes, I'm naming this one after a spinner rack novel, and for those of you that didn't work at a book store that's a rather elitist diss to the wildly popular books that used to occupy the spinning wire racks in independent bookstores. Remember them, before all that existed was Barnes & Noble and Amazon? Sigh. I feel so old sometimes, because I question the greatness of a future where everyone looks at their phones instead of looking up and taking in life, perhaps smiling at a stranger and striking up a conversation. But I digress. When I was in middle school I devoured all those spinner rack novels; Danielle Steele, Sidney Sheldon, and their made for tv movie ilk. Oh but V.C. Andrews, she was special. So creepy, dark and erotic. For someone on the cusp of teendom her works were shocking.  I was hooked and whipped through those books a day at a time. So out of the trilogy Petals on the Wind was the only one I could make work with my jewelry, although maybe I'll branch out and try an If There Be Thorns necklace. Seven petals of pale golden pink glass, separated by six golden beads, hang on a fine gold chain. Beads, clasp, wire and chain are all 14kt gold-filled. 18-1/4" in length. $37

he loves me

This is like the gem version of picking petals off a pretty pink flower. But you can keep the winning petal close to your heart. A faceted teardrop of rose quartz wrapped in wire hangs on a gold chain. Wire, chain and clasp are all 14kt gold-filled. 17" inches in length. $37

under the sea

I wanted to name this bracelet the drop off but felt that didn't sound too gem seductive and I shouldn't obliquely refer to Finding Nemo, even if it is a wonderful movie that I've seen far too many times (I'm very well versed in the movies of Pixar). This bracelet looks like a treasure from the sea. A strand of apatite chips resemble the clear aqua of tropical island waters. Flourite beads cast a spectrum of purples. Lepidolite ovals add soothing lavender with irridescent labradorite rounding out the mix. Consider it spring break on your wrist, without the regret of having too much to drink. Sterling silver clasp, 8" in length. $41

Au

Yes, that's periodic table speak for the element gold. My dorkiness (and pretentiousness) knows no bounds. I can only hope some J Crew designer sees this, rips off my 'color' and names a sunny summer cotton sweater Au. The focal piece of this necklace are glass petals of the most lovely iridescent golden color. Separated by three tiny beads and hung on a gold chain. This necklace is very simple and dainty, but elegant too. The chain, clasp and beads are all 14kt gold-filled. 19-1/4" in length. $37