Look at some antique pieces. You may find something very unique and incredible for a fraction of a cost.
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A strand or two of pearls are always nice. Bought a strand for D from Costco but she didn’t want them so we returned. Also bought D and DIL pearl studs from Costco—also returned. Oh well, I keep trying.
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It is nickel in white gold that apparently causes issues. Platinum looks exactly the same and is much more durable and hypoallergenic.
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In my case it is silver that I am allergic to. But all people are different.
Pearls are lovely. They don’t go out of style. I bought my girls south sea pearl studs when they graduated from college. They wear them often. I have south sea pearl studs with diamonds around them. They are understated enough that I could wear them to work.
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I think that may be out of the price range I was hoping to spend. Although I have no idea and I am reluctant to just go into a jeweler and ask how what I can get for $XYZ. Any ballpark ranges for a nice ring?
I understand everyone who says bracelets are a distraction. I definitely feel that way about bangles and cuffs. I love the look but hate the clanging when I am working. I do love the look of chain bracelets and the LAGOS silver X lay pretty close to the skin.
I’d love a nice ring, but everything I am looking at is either $10,000 (too much) or very gaudy or tiny/delicate. A channel set band or some similar thick stack style ring is more me than a cocktail setting
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DD inherited a set of Mikimoto pearls & we have them on consignment. They do not fit her current young mom lifestyle & she has not seemed interested in waiting to see if they fit her adult lifestyle later.
I don’t think we’ll see most of Gen Y or Gen Z get on board with pearls. My mother-in-law has a set that she tried to get my daughter to wear for her wedding. It was a no-go.
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DD was gifted a set of Mikimoto pearl earrings and a necklace for her undergrad college graduation. The necklace is a rather unique one (not a strand of pearls). She uses the earrings more often than the necklace.
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My D who graduated college in 2023 wasn’t interested in any of my or MIL’s pearl necklaces/earrings. She did get MIL’s diamond stud earrings, which she reset to a gold rather than platinum setting (just the 4-prong basket setting). Looks ok, I prefer a platinum or silver setting for those.
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I have a pair of their earrings and they are indeed good. I wear them in my high cartilage piercings and never need to take them out to sleep.
I have a thing for interesting watches, often from tiny companies. Here is a “wandering star” watch that’s on order:
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About ten years ago I got a bonus at work. I bought a kiln and taught myself the art of metal clay jewelry making. Then, when I retired I took a 2 week all inclusive course in the countryside of France and got certified in all levels. So much fun. I am wearing a ring and necklace right now that I made. The silver clay is getting more expensive. There is copper and alternative ones, but I still favor the silver metal clay. It is an interesting hobby that both my D’s learned and do when they visit. The kiln is the size of a large microwave and I can use it indoors in a craft room.
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Would love to see a photo of something you’ve made!
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Me too!
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Because silver metal clay is expensive, you practice with sculpey clay and a toaster oven first. The sculpey garden figures making smores were for fun for D’s wedding anniversary. The display I made in class is where I learned different techniques. The leaf is from the back yard of the classroom. It sinters and the shape is left. The earrings are scraps left over.
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Wow, @rockymtnhigh2 ! You make such lovely things. I took a jewelry making course in college. We only worked with sheets of metal and I wasn’t artistic and only admired those who were.
I love the idea of metallic clay. It’s a cool form to work with.
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@rockymtnhigh2 Lovely jewelry! I have some pieces from a local jewelry maker who designs similar things, often with interesting stones.
For those following along (I am the OP) I ended up choosing two silver bracelets that are complementary. They were under budget and are good for every day or dress up. I am loving them and it was a lot of fun to go thru the decision process!
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You’re very talented!
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Love it, @rockymtnhigh2! So pretty & elegant!
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