Summer…it’s my favorite time of year…and my most special jewelry encounters are working with couples who are getting engaged and married!  There is so much focus on finding that perfect engagement ring…and then once engaged…the focus shifts to all the beautiful planning which goes into creating the perfect wedding day! 

 

One of the things saved until a few months before the wedding seems to be in choosing the man’s wedding band!  A lot of men are not used to wearing rings and to some, the priority was in getting their beloved her perfect ring so they may not put as much emphasis on their own ring.  But the man’s wedding ring is as important choice as her ring…it is after all every bit as much a symbolism of commitment to the union.

 

 

Well luckily for the guys there are so many jewelry designers who have placed a lot of emphasis on men’s wedding rings and have come up with more and varied styles of rings using not only gold and silver, but many alternative metals like titanium, cobalt, tungsten, ceramic, and zirconium…many accented with diamonds and gemstones, or really unique inlays or carved designs.

 

 

Read my blog in this issue on the trends in men’s wedding bands.  I’m here to find or help create the perfect ring for you!  From engagement rings…to wedding bands…to bridal attendant’s gifts…to all the jewelry you’ll want to gift in your lifetime…I am here to offer my resources and expertise to find your perfect “I love you”!  

 

The “Eden Rose” Diamond is one of rarest ever found in nature and cut by one of the premier master cutters in the world to polish and unlock the brilliance and vivid hue of this beauty. 

 

Can you believe this 20+ Carat diamond is estimated to sell at Christie’s Auction for $9,000,000 to $12,000,000.  WOW!  It’s on my wish list…where unfortunately it will remain.  But some lucky collector will score and own a truly unique and rare treasure!

 

Check out the full article…plus video…of this extraordinary gem!

 

I am a generous giver.  Random giving is what touches my heart the most and I especially love giving to individuals and causes which light up my soul.  My favorite type of giving is to strangers I encounter who are in need of some empathy and support.  Even a few dollars can go a long way in showing someone you care. I look them straight in the eye, smile, and bless them. 

 

Of the larger charities I support, the one closest to my heart is the Zoological Society of Milwaukee which is the fundraising organization behind our world class Milwaukee County Zoo.  The Society’s mission is to protect and conserve wildlife and their habitats.  As a proud member of the Board of Directors of the Society for many years, it continues to be my passion to support their mission.  Each year, their largest fundraiser is the ZOO BALL which is a formal, black tie evening held on the zoo grounds. Oh yes…we party will those magnificent animals in the background!  Lions and Tigers and Bears…oh my! There is a cocktail hour with a variety of auction items, plus dinner, drinks and dancing!  Ticket sales plus a live fundraiser during dinner bring in the bulk of the funds…along with those donated auction items.

 

My contribution each year is hosting the “Diamond & Gemstone Dig” which is held during the cocktail hour.  We have a standing sandbox filled not only with sand, but also hidden with buried treasures. What are those treasures? Well, gorgeous colored gemstones like blue topaz, amethyst, citrine, peridot, garnet, tourmaline – and diamonds!  I donate hundreds of gems to bury in the sand. The event’s attendees buy tickets to “scoop” the sand in the hopes of uncovering one or more of these beautiful gems or diamonds.  It is truly the hit of the evening and most everyone participates to try their luck.  There is excitement and lots of noise and cheering when someone finds a gem.  Seriously, you’d think they uncovered the “Hope Diamond” with all the excitement!  I’ve included a photo from last year’s event and this year will be just as fun and fruitful!

 

They say age is a state of mind and I know this to be true!  I live “Forever 29”!  If you ask me my age…that is the number I will give you…each and every time…each and every year!  Why? I feel it!  I act it!  I live it! I believe it!  So, in my mind, it must be true!  I never think about my age because that would just put limitations on me.  I don’t ever want to think or feel I’m too old to try or learn new things.  I just go along with living as if I’m “Forever 29”.  My aim is to be experiencing life to the fullest…embarking on new challenges…and envisioning I will live the longest life in a very vital and energetic physical, mental, and spiritual state of being.  It’s a great place to live. 

 

Now, some of my friends or family may tease me that I am “delusional”.  I say, WOW!  Delusional is just fine with me and I laugh it off.  I tell them they should try it sometime…they may be surprised how beautiful and joyful a place it is to live.

 

Living “Forever 29” shows on my face, shows up in my attitude, and shows up in the way I can easily work my brain and my body.  I exercise both my brain and body every day to keep nimble, flexible, and focused.  I have an attitude of gratitude for choosing to be “Forever 29”! 

 

How about you? What age do you live at?