Happy Black Friday!

I’ve already told you that I’m thankful for Black Friday, but now it’s time to get some deal details! I put on my shopping shoes and dug up five “diamonds in the rough” for Black Friday jewelry deals!

Target Sterling Silver and 10K Gold Genuine Blue Topaz Necklace and Earring Set, $34.99 (originally $69.99) at target.com.

5. Target

The Details: Target is giving out a whopping 50% off of select jewelry this Black Friday! What a deal!

We Recommend: The Sterling Silver and 10k Gold Genuine Blue Topaz Necklace and Earring Set. It makes a great gift and, since it comes in a set, it’s a steal of a jewelry deal!

JC Penney Diamond Journey Squiggle Pendant, $199 (originally $499) at jcp.com.

4. JC Penney

The Details: JC Penney is having a Black Friday “SALE-ebration,” featuring watches and fine jewelry from 40-70% off their regular prices! The Sale-ebration deals are only good online!

We Recommend: The Diamond Journey Squiggle Pendant: “With every step, love grows.” But why pay full price for diamond jewelry to express your growing love?

Kohl's Apt. Nine Silver-Tone Crystal Bow Pin, $7.99 (originally $20) at kohls.com.

3. Kohl’s

The Details: Kohl’s has Early Bird Special deals (Black Friday only, from 1am-4am EST online and 4am-1pm local time in stores) of an extra 20% off of fine jewelry that’s already marked down 60%. For every $50 you spend, you get $10 in Kohl’s Cash back – and free shipping on purchases over $100!

We Recommend: Apt. 9 Silver-Tone Crystal Bow Pin. You know that brooches are back in fashion – keep up with the trend on the cheap!

Macy's 14K White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings, $99 with qualifying purchase at macys.com

2. Macy’s

The Details: Macy’s Black Friday offering is 20-50% off all jewelry, plus an additional 15% and bonus cash on certain jewelry.

We Recommend: We showed you Macy’s Black Friday deal on the Diamond Sterling Silver Diamond Bracelet yesterday, but there’s a hidden gem attached: make a qualifying purchase (like the bracelet) and get the 14k White Gold Diamond Stud Earrings for just $99! A little something for someone you love, and then a little something for you – a double diamond deal!

Amazon.com 10K White Gold Black and White Diamond Ring, $829.99 (originally $1,049) at amazon.com.

1. Amazon.com

The Details: Amazon is dishing an extra 30-40% off their regular prices this Black Friday!

We Recommend: The 10k White Gold Black and White Diamond Ring. This black diamond ring is a sumptuously sexy accent to any holiday outfit! Live a little this holiday season – it’s a great deal on luxury bling!

That ought to satisfy your jewelry craving. Even if the Black Friday jewelry deals we found aren’t for you, get in the holiday spirit of giving with financial savvy – take advantage of all the jewelry deals you can find this Black Friday!

Festively (and Frugally),
Olivia

Tis the season to be thankful!

I’d like to take this opportunity to fulfill the purpose of this lovely holiday by giving thanks for the many blessings in my life.

Macy's Sterling Silver Diamond Bracelet, $99 (originally $400) at macys.com.

1. Black Friday

My favorite thing about the Thanksgiving holiday is the day after Thanksgiving. That’s the real holiday for me because “Black Friday,” as the day has been dubbed by retailers, means that I can get tons of cute holiday gifts (including jewelry) that my friends will love – at sale prices that I love!

And since online retailers are participating, too (everyone from Macy’s to JC Penney), you won’t have to wait in the long lines that make Black Friday so black – you can order your favorite jewelry from the comfort of your own home!

I think they should make it an official holiday and change the name to “Gold Friday.”

Ten Thousand Things Pinned Black Opal Buttercup Bracelet, $7,745 at ylang23.com.

2. Birthstones

I was thankful to finally learn to love my birthstone! Opals (the birthstone for October) are so versatile – there’s an opal for every occasion. If anybody wants to know what I’d like (and even love) for the holidays, there’s your answer.

Designer Rita Chung of Asian2Woman, subject of an October 2008 interview.

3. Jewelry Designers

I’m thankful to know so many people with so much imagination and creativity that truly love what they do. They are as varied as the materials and methods they use, and it’s my privilege to write about their work and hear about what projects they’ve got coming up next.

A lot of them have holiday discounts, too, so check out their websites!

4. Jewelz

I’m so privileged to be friends and colleagues with fellow blogger Jewelz! Her knack for finding gems off the beaten path is unparalleled. We who love jewelry are lucky to have her! Happy Holidays, Jewelz! We love you!

5. WooMeOver

Most of all, I’m thankful for WooMeOver. The site has given me a unique opportunity to learn about jewelry and share my knowledge with an audience that loves jewelry as much as I do. It’s so nice to share my love with others.

I hope you have much to be thankful for this holiday season as well. Wear your thankfulness like jewelry – it’s the most beautiful holiday accessory you could flaunt.

Thankfully,
Olivia

Steve's Orange Crush Guitar Pick Earrings, $6

Hippie Garden Earrings, $15.

Shopping for something different this Christmas?

Well, Design by Cassandra could probably help you out, there!

Cassandra Watsham is a jewelry designer from Toronto, Canada. Her designs are heavily influenced by Cassandra’s rock’n’ roll soul.

Her jewelry is full of imagination and edge. If you have someone in your life full of imagination and edge, this edgy jewelry might be just the gift to give!

And if that hasn’t convinced you to start your Christmas shopping before Black Friday, then maybe 50% off will! Enter coupon code “LAST CHANCE” and receive 50% off everything on the site! Christmas shopping (especially for jewelry) has never been easier!

Butterscotch Nebula Necklace, $22.

So get your shopping shoes on… and park yourself in front of the computer!

Indulgently,
Olivia

Jewelry USB Drive Heart Pendant, $21.50 at favordeals.com.

Blue 8GB USB Pen Drive/Flash Memory Key and Phone Charm, $52.24 at ecrater.com.

Blue 8GB USB Pen Drive/Flash Memory Key and Phone Charm, $52.24 at ecrater.com.

White Dollar USB Pendant, $79.95 at blingdrives.com.

“Yes, I love technology
But not as much as you, you see
But I still love technology
Always and forever
Always and forever.”

– Kip Dynamite, Napoleon Dynamite

Just because our first priority is jewelry doesn’t mean that we don’t also love technology. But which do we love more? Oh, we just can’t decide!

And maybe we don’t have to.

Today’s latest jewelry AND technology trend combines both! Some designers have begun designing jewelry that incorporates the latest technology. Take a look at some of this great bling-bling that cleverly conceal a USB flash drive.

We’ve got everything here from a sleek leather bracelet to a blinged-out, dollar-sign pendant, and even some cufflinks for the men out there! And the memory’s blinged-out in a manner of speaking, too – anywhere from one to eight gigabytes! Both the fashionista and the techie in you will be 100% satisfied!

And for those who really can’t decide between bling and bytes, there’s even an engagement ring that puts the “flash” in “flashy!”

Whoever thought it would be so easy to be on the cutting edge of technology and the cutting edge of fashion at the same time?

On Edge (in the best possible way),
Olivia

P.S. And, just for fun…

Rilee & Lo's motto: "Accessories first, clothing optional."

Have you ever felt like you were two different people?

Johanna Ferguson knows all about that. Sometimes her style is “sultry sophisticate.” Sometimes her style is “edgy rocker.” So how does she decide whether to listen to the sexy angel on her right shoulder or to the hard-core devil on her left?

Well, the motto over at Rilee and Lo’s is “accessories first, clothing optional.”

Fallon Oversized Brown Penny Loafer Bangle, $198.

It’s amazing how accessories can dictate style. Pair the LBD with a pair of delicate silver earrings and you’re cocktail-party-ready. Pair the same LBD with a studded gold cuff, and you’re rock-concert-ready. The accessories seal the deal!

But how do you choose your style? Maybe you don’t have to.

Lisa Levine Medusa Rose Gold Necklace, $160.

To indulge both style-sides of herself, Johanna Ferguson created two alter egos: Rilee and Lo.

Rilee and Lo have been working hard, collecting the most diverse and unique accessories so that you have the world to choose from. Rilee’s style is “edgy expert” and Lo’s is “feminine flower.” From delicate gold leaf to chunky gold chains, every choice is golden!

On top of everything else, they’re offering 25% off online with a sale code of GREER25, compliments of Greer’s Daily Dose of OC. And there’s always a great sale selection. That way, you can have your accessories and wear them, too!

Katharine Sise Gold and Pink Quartz Earrings, $125.

So whether your accessories are chosen for Rocker Rilee one day and Lovely Lo the next, your style will always be just that – YOURS.

Schizophrenically (and proud of it!),
Olivia

If you’re passionate about sales, you’ll love The Passionate Collector.

Susan Shieldkret, proprietress & webmistress.

Susan Shieldkret has a Graduate Diploma in Pearls and a Certificate in Jewelry Essentials from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA). She also loooooves jewelry.

She’s spent the last three years collecting the finest work from her favorite jewelry designers – and designing some of it herself, as well.

Susan collects everything from earrings to necklaces, luxury items to casual pieces, and she even has special sections for sale items and eco-friendly jewelry! She’s traveled far and wide for her finds, and it shows in the amazing variety in the selection on the site.

Seashore Earrings, $229.

Silver Leaf Bamboo Bracelet, $128.

Star Flower Pendant, $165.

Variegated Rosewood Cuff, $59.

Check out her new “featured designer,” JennaViv. She’s got some cool new pieces!

JennaViv Temple Ring in 18K Gold, $14,155.

The best part of it is this: enter sale code “BOC1” and you get 20% off through January 15th! What’s not to love?

Passionately,
Olivia

This Little Piggy Went Banking

The economy is slow, prices are going up, the job market is falling – it’s hard to keep your chinny-chin-chin up in times like these.

A lot of people turn to retail therapy when they’re feeling down, but it’s smarter to save than spend these days. But how to battle the bearish blues?

Well, we here at WooMeOver have found one way to pig out a little without breaking the bank!

When you buy a bejeweled piggy bank, you feel like you’re splurging on a luxury item, but they’re actually pretty affordable. Sometimes, when you can’t buy jewels, the next best thing is something bejeweled. And the bonus is that they encourage you to save, save save… and in style!

As Good as Gold

Giftmonger Piggy Bank - Gold, $28.53.

Some people think that our country needs to return to the gold standard. Well, until it does, we can at least depend on this golden piggy bank from Giftmonger to remind us of what the good times were like. And despite its gilded splendor, it’s as happy to save a copper penny as a silver dollar.

The Socially Responsible Saver

Wow! Imports Purple Fair Trade Piggy Bank, $24.95.

Not only will this beaded bank from Wow! Imports help you to save, but it will help others financially, too. Each pig is hand-crafted in Africa by fair-trade bead and wire artists. What a find: a piggy bank that is adorable, bejeweled, and socially responsible – what a jewel of a find!

Crown Jewels

Mud Pie Baby "Always the Princess" Jeweled Bank, $29.99.

You’ll be as happy as a pig in mud with this darling jeweled bank by Mud Pie Baby. Boasting jeweled crowns and adorned with a bejeweled bow, it’s a great reminder that it’s possible to save with style!

Since all of these banks are less than $30, I guess you could say that they’re “bankable.” So, as you can see, there’s no reason to feel bearish, despite current market conditions. Instead, you can feel delightfully piggish – and still be a savvy saver.

In Hog Heaven,
Olivia

I’ve heard some jewelry described as “timeless,” but this has got to be the gold standard!

Archaeologists were excavating a site in Jerusalem when one of them found an ancient earring. The earring dates back to the time of Christ, making it about 2,000 years old. I’d call that a pearl of a find.

An ancient earring found in Jerusalem. It was made of gold, pearls, and emeralds.

Despite its age, it is remarkably well-preserved. It consists of a large pearl inlaid in gold and two drop pieces, each with an emerald and a pearl. Gold, pearls, and emeralds – so luxurious and elegant!

The archaeologists hope to find more jewelry as they continue excavating the site.

The piece was found in the ruin of an ancient Byzantine building. Since the structure was built hundreds of years after the piece was made, it’s likely that it was an heirloom, handed down through generations.

Now, why can’t I get any heirlooms like that? All I got from my mother was a tea set.

Enviously,
Olivia

   

John S. Brana, jewelry designer, artist and San Francisco resident.

John S. Brana is Northern California. His jewelry design reflects the heavy arts culture of the area. He gets his inspiration from the nature that surrounds him in his natural habitat. Even some of the names of his design lines are taken from famous neighborhoods and regions of the San Francisco Bay Area – he pays homage to Pacific Heights, Sea Cliff, and even SoMa.

The resulting pieces are an amazingly accurate representation of the designer, as well as the homeland that he holds so near and dear to his heart.

Days of Wine and Roses

John S. Brana Monterey Bright Green Italian Mesh Metal Necklace with Peridot, $595

His Sonoma line is inspired by the sights, sounds, smells, and tastes of Sonoma wine country. The jewelry in this line is reminiscent of bunches of grapes, ripe for the picking. One look at any of these pieces, and you’re whisked away to a wine tasting for the eyes – and soul.

Head for the Hills

John S. Brana Nob Hill Silver Drop Filigree Earrings - Medium 3, $185.

The Nob Hill line was born after many treks through the hilly streets of historic Nob Hill in San Francisco. Every home is protected by gates of intricate iron scrollwork, which inspired Brana to design delicate scrolls, hand-fashioned from tendrils of silver filigree. What adorns beautiful homes in Nob Hill is now jewelry can now adorn beautiful women everywhere.

The Art of… Fishing?

John S. Brana Monterey Bright Green Italian Mesh Metal Necklace with Peridot, $595

Monterey is noted for two things: art and fishing. Brana has considered these two seemingly irreconcilable trades and created jewelry that incorporates both. The Italian metal mesh is reminiscent of fishing nets, but the design is clearly artful. These pieces are more than just a clever nod to the Monterey fisheries – they’re also wearable art.

Brana used to work in the legal and banking professions, most recently as a VP of Finance for Charles Schwab. But his artist father’s death in 2003 caused him to reevaluate his priorities, and he decided to pursue his true love – artisan crafts, specifically jewelry design.

And so many people benefit from this decision: jewelry aficionados, the art world, the San Francisco Bay Area – and especially the jewelry designer himself.

Inspired,
Olivia

The “Wing Necklace” by Mollie Dash (about $50) screams Mister Mister.

Take these broken wings
And learn to fly again, learn to live so free!!

Buy it here.