12.28.15 Saved by the Blog

I can’t believe this is my last post for 2015 – and what a year it has been.  I am grateful to everyone who has followed along, and hope that you’ll stay with me as we move into the new year.

The last few weeks have been difficult – just watching what is going on here at home and around the world – and more than I expected it to be, the blog and jewelry making have been a source of beauty and comfort for me.  There is something so affirming about being able to work with my hands and make art – and it has given me a way to escape reality for a few hours at a time.

I’ve had so much encouragement – from my amazing family, especially my husband – my friends, my jewelry instructors, and you – my readers.  Every time one of you reads a post, I get a little electronic validation, and I can’t overstate how good that makes me feel.

When I started writing last January my goal was a post a week, and to take jewelry classes…and I did it!

In that first post I wrote:

For the past 30 years I've been in the public policy business.  For 25 of those years I've been raising children.  My nest is now empty, and I've long had a pipe dream of being in the jewelry business (although I have no formal training - I do have years of shopping and wearing experience).  That said, I'm seriously considering trying to make jewelry more than a hobby...so this is where I'm going to start.

And so it was – a start.  My world has expanded; I’ve worn more different pieces of jewelry in the past year than well, I can’t remember when; and I’ve made jewelry – I’ve cast it from wax, formed it from metal clay and cut, shaped and soldered it together (more about that soon).

This post, is not an end, but the next beginning.  I want 2016 to be the year I sell my first piece of jewelry (watch for updates when I have some things in my Etsy shop) - and I want to continue to learn, grow and share my adventures with you, my readers.

Wishing you all the best for a very happy new year.

Until next time.

12.21.15 What's in a name (or a monogram)?

"mom" tags - with kiddos birthstones

My husband and I just celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary.  Coincidentally, someone asked me recently why, even with all three of my kids out of the house, my husband refers to me as "mom"...and not by my name.  My response - that IS my name .

My full given name is Debra Suzanne Haas.  Debra, from the biblical judge Deborah – but my mother didn’t like the spelling of longer version.  I can’t really remember using my middle name much, for as long as I can remember I’ve been Debra S. Haas legally and professionally.  It’s what has always been on my driver’s license and business cards.  It’s how I sign my name. My mother, father and husband have always called me Debra.  My parents’ friends still call me Debra, but since high school, my own friends have called me Deb.

I’d never given my first name a lot of thought, probably because for those of us born in the 1960s it was a perfectly common and normal name.  As for my last name, I didn’t realize quite how attached to it I had become until the night before I got married.

James Avery disc earrings

My husband’s last name is Hood.  All three of our children are Hood.  I remain Haas. At our rehearsal dinner, someone asked if I was planning to change my name and I answered that I wasn’t sure.  My mom, who had a wicked sense of humor, said “well, you could hyphenate it and be Debra Haas-Hood, but if ‘haashood’ is the state of being a Haas, I don’t really see the point”.  That was it, I got married, my life changed, my name did not. 

When I got married, I became a stepmother to two wonderful young boys (now fine young men).  While I insisted they treat me with respect, and as a parent, I never asked them to call me anything other than Debra, because they have a mother who loves them very much.

Chicks Picks acrylic monograms

When I became pregnant with our daughter, my younger stepson, then three, became concerned.  “What should we call you after the baby comes” he asked?  “Why would you call me anything other than Debra?” I answered.  He told me he was worried that if he and his brother called me "Debra", that the baby would be confused and stated authoritatively that starting at that moment, he and his brother would call me “Mom”. (That baby just turned 20, and arrived home from college for the holidays over the weekend).

Even now, twenty years later, I kvell when I think of that day, because since then, I really have been “Mom”.  It’s what both the boys call me, it’s what my daughter calls me, even my husband uses Mom when he refers to me, or we are talking to each other.  So, while the name my parents gave me may be the one I use out in the world, it is “Mom”, the name my children gave me, that I cherish the most.

Stella & Dot "mom" and "D" charms

Until next time.

12.14.15 Visions of Sugarplums danced in their heads

Ballet Austin Nutcracker Cast 2013 - my daughter's last show

When my daughter was 3 years old, we were invited to a mother-daughter event to see Ballet Austin's production of Cinderella.  For more than 2 hours, she sat on the edge of her seat, and when the curtain went down and the lights went up, she said to me "Mommy, I'm going to be a ballerina".

My response was "of course you are" - because all 3 year old girls want to be ballerinas.

However, my girl really DID go on to be a ballerina; for 14 years she danced at the Ballet Austin Academy, and for 10 of those years she was part of the annual cast of the Nutcracker (she STILL dances for fun and exercise).

Charms - all the roles

My daughter was so excited to be cast as an angel her first year, and I bought her a James Avery angel charm, and had the date engraved on the back, as a keepsake.  The next two years, she danced as a mouse in the battle scene, so I bought mouse charms, and by her fourth year, it occurred to me that maybe instead of putting these charms on her regular charm bracelet, they needed to be own their own...so it was...that over the course of those 10 years we created a shiny record of all of her performances.

I confess, I tired of the schlep to rehearsals and the theater, and saw the production more times than I can count...but I got involved in my own way.  I became a docent - going into schools in the Austin area to talk to elementary school students about ballet and what they will see when they attend the performance.

Backs - all the dates

Being a docent is hands down my favorite part of the Nutcracker.  There is something so special and fulfilling about the opportunity to bring an art form I love to students, who often, have never seen a live performance.  For most of my presentations I rely on the wonderful materials provided Ballet Austin Community Education staff.  In addition to the presentation itself, each docent receives a bag chock full of props including, of course, a Nutcracker. For the past several years I’ve also been the docent for a particularly special group of children – the students at the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired - and I was excited to see them again last week.

When I was first asked to do the presentation for TSBVI, I was already an experienced docent.  I said “yes” without a full appreciation of what I was taking on.  I knew the students would have little or no sight, but what I did not know what the range of other special needs the residential school serves.  Some students are sight impaired, but very high functioning in other areas, and some have much more severe disabilities and special needs. Fortunately, the school has a wonderful music teacher who gave me great advice on what would spark their interest and be appropriate for her students.

A TSBVI student holds a Nutcracker

Being the docent for TSBVI made me think about ballet in a way that goes beyond the visual.  To bring the Nutcracker alive for these students I focus on their other senses.  Students hear the story through descriptive audio services when they attend the performance at the Long Center, and Tchaikovsky’s fabulous score provides signature phrases for many scenes.

In the first act, there is the ominous music that precedes or indicates the arrival of the Rat King.  At the end of the act, there is snow - which does not fall silently – but as the rhythmic tapping of 32 perfectly timed pointe shoes moving across the stage.  In the second act, each "sweet" has their own musical theme, and as we listen I ask students to imagine the taste and smell of coffee, tea, cinnamon, chocolate, almond and peppermint. 

A TSBVI student tries on a costume

The students also love the costumes. Over the years I’ve made a point of taking well embellished tutus so that students can feel the beading, embroidery and tulle – allowing them to “visualize” the garment in their minds - truly creating visions of sugarplums.

My daughter is in college now, and we attend a performance every year when she is home.  But it is my time with these special children that really helps me to "see" the beauty of this "holiday gem".

Until next time.

12.07.15 Happy Hanukkah!

Last night was the first night of Hanukkah, and frankly, because we don't have any of the kids around for the holiday it was pretty low key.  Honestly, in the hierarchy of Jewish holidays, it's a minor one, but I still miss watching my children open presents. Yes, there was a miracle, and the oil lamp in the restored Temple burned for eight days. However the transformation of Hanukkah into a widely celebrated event with gifts is more about modernity - and the assimilation of Jews into American society beginning in the late 19th century - than it is about the events of biblical times.

Photo credit: Harry & David

Because the Hebrew calendar is a lunar calendar, the Jewish holidays move around.  This year, Hanukkah is too early for any of the kids to be home from school - so all their gifts have been shipped - including the obligatory Harry & David "eight nights" boxes.  A couple years ago, in 2013, it was so early that it started in November - on Thanksgiving - and merchandisers had all kinds of fun with that. This year, it's just the week before exams.




Nonetheless, its appearance on the calendar provides and excellent opportunity for me to write about some of the Judaic treasures in my jewelry collection. Like much of my jewelry, there are items from two of the most important women in my life - my mother and grandmother - and includes two very traditional round Star of David pendants.

The older of the two is silver with the Hebrew word "Tzion", or Zion,  in the center with blue enamel accents.  My grandmother wore this for years before she gave it to me when I was about 12 years old.

My mother had an almost identical one - except that it is gold with silver tablets (the Ten Commandments) in the center.  I wear them both often, especially on a day when I feel like a I need a little extra something to get me through.

I also have a couple of my own.  One is the simplest of gold stars - a souvenir from the summer of 1980, when we went to Israel as a family.  I've worn it alone on a gold chain, with a small gold "D", and these days I wear it in a charm jumble, with a mezzuzah that also belonged to my grandmother, Gertrude.

The other is a more contemporary gold star that I acquired recently from Jewelry by Cari.  I wear it on a jumble, too - with my other Cari charms.

Finally, I have a favorite that I bought for myself many years ago - it is a pin with the Four Matriarchs - Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah.  I love the bright colors and I wear it when I feel the need for strength - reminding myself (and others) that the foundations of a just society are built as much by the women of the community as by the men.

In this busy holiday season, as we plan events, cook meals, wrap gifts, and take care of others - my pin serves as a reminder to me (and then I remind my friends) - that it is important to slow down periodically, and take a little time for ourselves. I'm sure you have this kind of strong women in your life, too, so reach out and let them know they are special (perhaps with a piece of jewelry?).

Wishing all my readers a warm and happy holiday season.

Until next time.

11.30.15 Shop local: Russell Korman Jewelers

Photo credit: Russell Korman Jewelry

An added bonus of living in one place for a long time is the ability to develop relationships. When you shop at the same places and do business with the same people year after year, it just feels good.  In this world where so many transactions take place with the touch of a button, and no human contact at all, there's a lot to be said for opening a door and being greeted by people who don't just know your name, but know YOU.

Photo credit: Russell Korman Jewelry

For me, Russell Korman Jewelers is one of those places. I've been shopping with the Korman family and their amazing staff for close to 30 years. From inexpensive silver earrings to diamonds and gemstones, and everything in between, I have long thought of these folks as MY jewelers.  Chuck Schaeffer, their master jeweler, has helped me reset my mother's diamonds, and create new pieces for me, my daughter and my niece.  Dennis Warner, their master watchmaker has rebuilt vintage family watches for both me and my husband.

The benefits to shopping local are not just warm and fuzzy - the economic impact is significant.  The exact numbers vary, but doing business with a local retailer keeps somewhere between 50-80% of each dollar spent in the community - as opposed to sending it out of town or even out of state - with an online or national chain.

Starting next week, Russell Korman will be hosting a series of trunk shows featuring a variety of jewelry brands..  These shows are a great opportunity to talk to representatives of the companies and see most or all of the items in a line. No store can carry everything - and nothing compares to seeing the pieces in person, and being able to ask questions about what you are getting.

December 9 - Ippolita - this is one of my absolutely favorite jewelry lines.  Their collections featuring brightly colored stones can only be described as "happy".  At last year's trunk show I bought a pair of blue doublet mini earrings from their aptly named "Rock Candy" collection.  I can't wait to see what they bring this year.

Photo credit: Ippolita

December 10 - Marco Bicego. This is another wonderful Italian line featuring yellow and white gold and colored stones. This summer they introduced a new collection, called Lunaria, featuring aquamarine.  The warm gold and cool blue are beautiful together.

Photo credit: Marco Bicego

December 18 - Armenta.  New to Russell Korman, and to me, is Texas-based Armenta jewelry founded by Emily Armenta.  I was fascinated to read her bio on the website and learn that the genesis for her jewelry company was a class assignment while she was pursuing an MBA at Rice University.  Go the website and read about her for yourself - or better yet - do what I plan to, and stop by her trunk show to meet her in person.

Photo credit: Armenta Collection

Also in store - Jewelry by Cari. I discovered Cari's pieces at Russell Korman years ago - and I own a lot of them. Not only do I love her jewelry, but I appreciate her business savvy and generosity. When I have contacted her directly about having a piece customized she responds by saying "go buy it from them, and that way you are supporting two independent businesses at the same time". It doesn't get any better than that.

Photo credit: Cari Streeter

Located in Central Austin, at 5011 Burnet Road, the staff and jewelry reps will be there from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. - so swing on by, and tell them Deb sent you!

Until next time.

11.23.15 Shop local: Holiday Art Fairs

What’s better than being able to give beautiful hand crafted holiday gifts?  Being able to do it while listening to great music and supporting local artists.  Here in Austin, we have more opportunities than I have time to write about, but three of my favorites are:

Blue Genie Art Bazaar – November 27 – December 24
Cherrywood Art Fair, December 12 and 13
Armadillo Christmas Bazaar – December 14 – 24

While it’s the smallest of the three, the Cherrywood Art Fair is nearest and dearest to my heart.  Started in 2002 as a way to support neighborhood artists and elementary school art programs, it has grown into a very big deal.  In 2003 it moved to Maplewood Elementary school (our neighborhood school), where it is now one of the most anticipated events of the holiday season.  With over one hundred artists, musical performances and food vendors, it is great way to spend a Saturday or Sunday afternoon.

Not only can you support these great artists through your purchases, a portion of the proceeds from the event goes to support the Little Artist BIG ARTIST program.

Since 2007, Little Artist BIG ARTIST has provided an opportunity for fifth-graders from East Austin elementary schools to work with BIG ARTISTS to create their own art.  BIG ARTISTS provide their time and professional experience as working artists to guide their Little Artists to envision, plan, and create at least two pieces of artwork during their 10 week one-on-one collaboration.  The artwork is part of a silent auction each year at the Cherrywood Art Fair.

Just up the road a piece, and open for nearly a month starting the day after Thanksgiving, is the Blue Genie Art Bazaar.

What started as some creative people deciding to have a little holiday fun has become one of my favorite must shop Austin holiday traditions.  According to the history on their website - "The first Blue Genie Art Bazaar was held in 2001 at the Blue Genie Art Industries (BGA) shop, where we mostly sold items made by Blue Genie employees. Without putting much thought into it, we built a few walls, hung up some clip lights, and swept the floor — and then we opened the doors. It was quickly apparent that we had something exciting on our hands. Now, the bazaar features the handmade, unique work of over 130 artists, whom we select from a talented pool of more than 300 applicants. We have spent over a decade refining the bazaar, and we’re quite proud of what it has grown into." 

I ALWAYS find something at Blue Genie, sometimes it's even something for me!

At 40, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar is the oldest and longest running of the fairs.  If you REALLY want to make a day of it - get tickets to Ballet Austin's Nutcracker (which runs through December 23, right next door at the Long Center for the Performing Arts), then stroll over to the Palmer Events Center for a different kind of Texas culture.

With artists from all over the country, it's not just a great place to shop for gifts - but a wonderful way to entertaining out of town friends and family wandering from booth to booth while hearing great Texas music.

In case you can't make it to all three events - or aren't fortunate enough to get to Austin at all - here are links to a few of the Austin-based jewelry artists I've shopped with over the years: 

adaptive reUse - Christine Terrell uses vintage tins to make one of a kind earrings, necklaces, belt buckles and cufflinks. (at Blue Genie)
Dish it Out Jewelry - Holli Brown brakes vintage plates - and turns them into wonderful earrings, pendants and bracelets. (at Blue Genie)
Fail Jewelry - Christine Fail works in gold, silver, brass and gemstones to create beautiful contemporary wearable art (at Cherrywood Art Fair)
Lisa Crowder Jewelry - Lisa Crowder creates distinctive floral and geometric jewelry in silver, gold and enamel. (at Armadillo Christmas Bazaar)
Poppy & Fern - Rachel Pruitt creates tiny embroidered works of art to wear on a chain or hang on the wall. (at Blue Genie and Cherrywood Art Fair)
Steve Kriechbaum Goldsmith - Steve Kriechbaum is a master bench jeweler working in precious metals and gemstones.  Fun fact - he and his associate Nora McMullen are also instructors at Creative Side Jewelry Academy. (Armadillo Christmas Bazaar)
Stones Throw Studio -  Kyle Goss works primarily with silver and stones to make jewelry with an organic look and feel. (at Blue Genie and Cherrywood Art Fair)

Happy shopping - and stay tuned for at least one more "shop local" post.

Until next time.

11.16.15 Shop Local - ATX Artisans

I'm having a wonderful time in my fabrication classes at Creative Side Jewelry Academy, I've learned so much - and I'm a little sad that this is my last week (for this course).  I'll write more about that experience in the future, but in the run up to the holidays, I want to stick to talking about local jewelry artists.

A number of folks associated with Creative Side are not just instructors, but working jewelers.  So - I'm devoting this post to some wonderful Austin jewelry artists - hoping you will take a look at their work and consider keeping it local for the holidays.

Photo credit:
Courtney Gray Arts

Not only does Courtney Gray, owner and founder of Creative Side, provide opportunities for folks to share and expand their skills, she is an amazing jewelry artist in her own right.  While most of her work is in the form of custom commissions, she does have a limited number of beautiful pieces available for purchase in her online store.  One of my favorites is her Pinwheel pendant, shown here with an aquamarine, but available with the gemstone of your choice.

Photo credit: Shalena White

Another very experienced jeweler - our course instructor, Shalena White, has what my daughter refers to as "mad skillz"!  With an MFA and a BFA in metal smithing, plus numerous awards to her name - she knows her stuff and as a real talent for sharing that knowledge.  In addition to her teaching, she has had her work displayed as part of Austin's People's Gallery, and creates and sells her custom jewelry on her website, Shalena Designs.

Photo credit: Andrea de Leon

Also working with us in my fabrication class is Andrea de Leon.  Like Shalena, she has a BFA, and is a working metalsmith in addition to teaching at Creative Side.  Andrea works in metal, leather and glass creating custom jewelry and knives.  You can find her work on her website, and this coming weekend on the E.A.S.T. Studio Tour at location 335.

Photo credit: Nora McMullen

Nora McMullen (one of my wax carving instructors), does amazing work in silver and enamel.  Her filigree work is exquisite - and I hope to take one of her classes in the future - but I don't yet have the necessary skills (which is part of why I am so excited about the fabrication class I am taking - it's a step in the right direction).  You can shop Nora's jewelry on her website - or at the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar (more on that in a future post).

Photo credit: adaptive reUse

I would never have had the opportunity to work and study with all these folks had it not been for Christine Terrell, as she's the person who introduced me to Courtney and encouraged me to look into classes.  As a jeweler, Christine gives old things new life - she upcycles old, decorative tins into earrings, pendants, necklaces and bracelets.  Not only are her pieces fun and fabulous - they are incredibly affordable, and make wonderful gifts.  You can find Christine and her work around Austin (including the Blue Genie Art Bazaar) and on Etsy.

Photo credit: Laura Gibson

While she's not associated with Creative Side, no post about my favorite Austin jewelers would be complete without Metalsgirl - Laura Gibson.  I've written about Laura before, as she is one of my "go-to" folks for gifts.  You can find her and her work on her website, Etsy and often in person at the Austin Flea (a great year round opportunity to shop local). Laura does incredible work with silver, stones and enamel.  I love this pair of green onyx earrings in her Etsy shop.


I am so indebted to all these wonderful artists for sharing their time and energy with me, and encouraging me on my own jewelry adventure.  I hope you will go out and support them - or the artists in your community - when you are shopping for gifts or something for yourself.

Until next time.

11.09.15 Shop local: Shaesby

Photo credit: Shaesby

I've been a fan of Shaesby Scott's beautiful diamond and gemstone jewelry since I first saw his Soleil stacking rings in Eliza Page a long time ago.  Since then I have been following the expansion of his jewelry line and the evolution of his work.

These days, I am completely smitten with his new Isla collection featuring oxidized silver, satin texturing and diamonds.  When I received an email that he would be doing a trunk show at Neiman Marcus, I put it on my calendar, thinking "attending a trunk show is work for a jewelry blogger, right?"

Photo credit: Shaesby

I'm so glad I did!  Not only did I get to see his gorgeous collection in person, but I had a chance to visit with him and his lovely and gracious staff - and the result was an opportunity to visit his  Austin jewelry studio plus a new custom piece for me!

After seeing the jewelry up close at the NM show, I realized what I really wanted was an all silver Isla pendant - with bright silver accents.  Michaele, Shaesby's sales director said "we can do that" and asked if I'd like to come by the studio to see the pendant in progress.  Would I ever!

So, I couple of weeks ago I spent a Friday morning in the studio with two of the wonderful bench jewelers - Travis and Carlos - who work with Shaesby to take these amazing pieces from concept to completion.  Not only was I impressed by their skill as jewelers, but also by the way they talk about the company and the work they do.

Both Travis and Carlos have been with Shaesby for over a decade; it's clear that they love their jobs, and you see that when you spend time watching them work.  When I arrived Travis was working on a pair of custom Isla earrings - the original pair was carved in wax, which was cast - in very much the same manner I made my first pendant - then a mold was created. Additional pieces are cast in the mold, and then each piece is finished and assembled by hand.

At  the next bench, Carlos was carving individual bezels for diamond slices out of wax.  After marveling at their mad wax skills,  Travis showed me his technique for bezel setting the 2mm diamonds that also go into the earrings (not any easy thing at all - I learned having set some tiny diamonds in my own pendant).  The entire process reminded me of ballet - true professionals make it look so easy - but after doing a very limited amount of bench work myself (or the case of ballet, watching my daughter for years) I knew there was nothing easy about it.  Bench jewelry is a complex art form - and you see it in the finished pieces.

Shaesbly slice earrings

When I arrived at the studio, the components of my necklace - pendant, bail and clasp - had already been cast and fabricated.  The next steps were to polish, oxidize and assemble them into a finished piece.

I watched Carlos finish the surface and edges of the pendant, preparing it for the oxidizing treatment - which transformed it from bright to dark - before setting the diamond in it. I love how the dark silver really makes the diamond pop!


Finishing the pendant involved creating and attaching the bezel, finishing the surface polishing and hanging on a lovely silver chain with a hand crafted clasp.

I'm beyond thrilled with my new necklace - and so excited to tell everyone the story behind it.  I encourage you - especially during the holidays, but any time you are looking for a special gift - to search out folks who take pride in their craft, and put their care and talent into every piece.

You can see and shop for Shaesby's pieces in Eliza Page, in the studio by appointment in Austin, or online. Tell them I sent you.

Until next time.

11.02.15 Fall back...

If you're old enough to remember the 1980's, you might remember the book Color Me Beautiful, by Carole Jackson.  The book sought to help women improve their wardrobe and make up choices by helping them to determine their "season".  This "seasonal color analysis" grouped people into categories based on skin tone, eye, and hair color.

A fair skinned, dark haired person like me is a "winter". I find more than a little irony in this - because I don't like winter.  We don't have that much real winter in Texas - but it does happen (right now I'm more concerned about needing an ark - we had 14" of rain last week). I don't like being cold; I don't like having to bundle up like the Michelin Man to go outside; and as I tell anyone who asks why I like summer better - you don't have to shovel heat to get down the driveway.

Photo credit: Coach

Why the rant about winter?  Well, Saturday night we "fell back" to standard time. Earlier this year, I wrote about springing forward to Daylight Savings Time - which made me happy. The onset of shorter, colder days makes me grumpy, but at it least gives me a reason to write about watches again.  This time, it's my "Page" tank watch from Coach. It's not news that I like Coach accessories - including their jewelry and watches - and last fall, they offered a special edition of this watch with a black face and fall-toned floral print.

I fell in love and snapped up mine right away because I knew they would go fast.  After spending the summer in my jewelry drawer, it has now reappeared - the colors are perfect, especially with my predictable wardrobe of dark cardigans, white tees and khakis.

While I'm not a fan of "matching" jewelry, I feel a little bit like I've won the lottery when I find favorite pieces that work well together.

My "Modern Rocks" oxidized pendant from Metalicious is a perfect example.  The rectangular shape of the "emerald cut" complements the black metal tank case.  Even if no one else notices, I like it when the pieces of jewelry I wear echo each other.

Well, no time to waste (even if we did get that hour back from last spring) - I've started my fabrication classes - and there's places to go and things to do.

Until next time.

10.26.15 Where did October go? Time for November birthstones.

Trillion - citrine
Oval - topaz

It seems like it was just yesterday that I was writing about the beginning of October...and now it is almost over.  We had few days of fall in Texas earlier in the month (my daughter has already seen snow flurries in Boston) - last week it was hot as Hades, over the weekend we had 5+ inches of rain, and today it's sunny and fall like, again...confirming the old adage "if you don't like the weather in Texas, just wait five minutes."

No matter the weather - the calendar certainly says "fall". We successfully celebrated all the October babies - and now we are moving on to November, and my fabulous mother in law's birthday.  I adore my husband's mother (who we call Mimi) - I have ever since I met her - but especially with my own mother gone, she fills a huge place in my heart and I love having a reason to celebrate with her.

Ametrine earrings - my collection

Like October, November has two birthstones - topaz and citrine.  Topaz comes in a wide range of colors, but the most prized topaz - imperial topaz -  is a reddish-orange, very much like citrine.  Several gem and jewelry sites suggest that they were confused in antiquity, and that is possibly why they are both used as November's birthstone.

Citrine is a variety of quartz, and sometimes under the right conditions two parts of the same crystal form with different levels of oxidized iron, resulting in a two color stone know as "ametrine" - because it is a combination of amethyst and citrine.  Virtually all ametrine and citrine are mined in South America.  Naturally occurring citrines vary in color from pale yellow to coppery brown depending on the amount of iron in the crystal.

Several years ago, my mother in law gave me a number of pieces of jewelry from her family - including a gorgeous citrine ring with an ornate gold setting that was worn by her grandmother (who was also known to her grandchildren as Mimi).

I took those rings, along with some that I had inherited from my own grandmother and great aunt, to Russell Korman to have them cleaned, checked to make sure the settings were secure, and sized for my daughter - who loves to wear them when she has a party to attend, or goes out for a fancy evening.

Peggy Li smoky topaz pendant

Topaz, November's second birthstone, is a silicate crystal that also occurs in a variety of colors.  Pure topaz is clear, but it is found in a range of hues including pinks, reds, browns and blues.  The variations in color result from mineral impurities in the crystal formation. Smoky topaz and blue topaz are two of the most popular colors for jewelry.  Natural smoky topaz is abundant, however, blue topaz is much more rare, and is often achieved by heating clear or very light blue stones to get a darker color.  The color enhancements are stable and result in a bright stone at an affordable price.

One of my go to jewelers - Peggy Li - has some beautiful topaz pieces, including this large smoky topaz I gave my mother in law as a birthday gift several years ago.  Her bubble necklace - which comes in both topaz and citrine - would make a wonderful November birthday gift.

For lots of other gift ideas, visit my November birthstones Pinterest page, with lots wonderful pieces from some of my favorite jewelers and jewelry sites.

As winter approaches, and the days grow shorter, I hope you have the warmth of friends and family around and lots of cause for celebration.

Until next time.