Jewelry Favorites

I normally like to keep my favorites to five, but it was too hard to decide on just five pieces of jewelry that I love. Of course, this doesn't include my long-lost wedding set. If you stick with me to the end of this post, you might just get a great piece of jewelry for yourself!

So here they are:

1. Lia Sophia Ring:I purchased this ring about a year ago at a Lia Sophia jewelry party. I love it. I don't own many "fun" rings, but this one really stood out to me. It matches a lot of things I wear and adds a bit of flair that most of my ensembles are lacking.

2. Gold Arabic Name Necklace:This is the oldest piece of jewelry that I own. I got it while we were living in Oman, when I was about four or five. All of the women in my family have a necklace like this, with their name in Arabic. I have worn it so much that the chain is wearing out and becoming a bit skewed.

3. Strand of Mikimodo pearls and ring:My parents gave me this set for my 21st birthday. I don't wear it that often, frankly because I'm afraid of it being damaged or of losing it (which has already happened to a more important piece of jewelry). But these are classic heirloom pieces, which I will one day pass on to a daughter or granddaughter.

4. Gold James Avery knot ring:This is another piece of jewelry given to me by my parents. It was originally an unofficial sorority symbol. But as that time in my life has passed I have continued to wear it and come to appreciate it for its simple and beautiful design. I am currently wearing this ring on my left hand in place of my wedding ring.

5. Bracelet from the Sudan:
My wonderful friend, Jeannie gave me this bracelet for my birthday a few years ago. She has one as well, and told me that the women of the villages surrounded by war collect the stray bullets from the ground. Then, they make these bracelets out of the metal from the bullets to sell for money for their village. They are able to make something beautiful out of something so horrible.

6. Broken China Heart Necklace:I found this at the Utah Art Festival about four years ago. The artist took broken pieces of antique china and made them into jewelry, frames, and other decorative items. Normally I don't like hearts, but this necklace really caught my eye. I love that it's one of a kind.

7. Emerald ring and earrings:
While living in Colombia, my parents decided to purchase emeralds for my sister and I. One of Colombia's major exports is emeralds, so we were able to get beautiful stones at a fraction of the price in the U.S. This is another heirloom I plan to pass down.

8. Pandora (honorable mention):
I call this an honorable mention, because I don't have it (yet). I recently went to an event hosted by Goldsmith Jewelers here in Utah, where they featured this collection. Currently, they are the only ones in Utah who sell this line. With this line, you are able to build your own bracelet or necklace from a large selection of beads. Each of the beads has a meaning to go along with it, so the piece is very personalized.

Here's the fun part: Goldsmith Jewelers is so awesome. Just for coming to the event they gave us coupons to give away for a free strand of pearls. You do have to go into the store to redeem the coupon - so I'm sorry to all of my non-Utah readers.

All you have to do is print it out and go to the store. Feel free to print out as many as you want for friends and family. Click here to download and print the PDF coupon.