The Gemstone Diaries

Mickey Lynn Loves: Fine Jewelry for Girls

2010-05-11T06:28:00.000-07:00

Where was this precious jewelry collection when I was a kid? Is it bad that I still want some the Disney-inspired pieces.

I mean, I would totally rock the Belle Bracelet from the Enchanting Gemstone collection that is designed to inspire the magic of Disney.

And this Snow White Diamond Poison Apple necklace is just incredible.

I also like Tous jewelry for girls. The jeweler known for its iconic teddy bear has come a long way. I am really liking some of their newer pieces. But, as for the girls, I am loving the TOUS 18k gold Corqui earrings.

Okay, enough of the dreaming......

Wrap it up..drusy style

2010-05-10T05:10:00.000-07:00

The best thing about my job as a jewelry designer is.....designing! The sudden sparks of ideas are usually the best ones.

Like this Mickey Lynn wrap bracelet with the druzy pendant stone in it. I don't mean to toot my own horn, but I really like this piece. I can do the deerskin leather wrap bracelet in any of the colors we have (brown looks really cool too).

The platinum coated druzy (or drusy depending on your preference in spelling) is bezel set in sterling silver. The black leather wrap shown here measures 72".

Sorry I've been away....

2010-05-08T04:51:00.000-07:00

Hi!

Just got back in town from more than two weeks of traveling. First, I was in Lexington for the 3 day Rolex event and then it was off to the big New York ENK show.

This time of year is always the busiest, getting ready for the seasons ahead. And, I must say, jewelry is the perfect addition to the spring/summer look.

BUT most importantly, Mickey Lynn Designs and the Gemstone Diaries are back. So look for some exciting hot days ahead....

Mickey Lynn loves: jewelry at Bittersweet NY

2010-04-28T18:14:00.000-07:00

I found these great earrings from Bittersweet NY in the latest issue of People Style Watch. I decided to check out theit site and absolutely LOVED what I saw. SO clever and different.

My favorites are the charms, necklaces and cuff links. The designer's story on how she got started is great too. Check it out.

Facebook | Mickey Lynn Jewelry

2010-04-26T08:31:00.000-07:00

Facebook Mickey Lynn Jewelry: "William Fox-Pitt wins the Rolex Kentucky 3 Day event...and buys his wife a citrine necklace and earrings from Mickey Lynn!"

Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

2010-04-23T07:00:00.000-07:00

Every year I add new pendants for the Rolex 3 Day Event in Lexington, Kentucky. This year I added the Mickey Lynn dressage horse and a lucky horse shoe. The pendants are made of 100% recycled sterling silver.

Buy it on Etsy!

Lucky Star: Family Necklace for Mother's Day!

2010-04-23T06:38:00.000-07:00

Charm your mother this Mother's Day with a charm necklace she will cherish. Put mom's zodiac in the middle of the necklace with the children's zodiacs surrounding. Or for new mother's, put the baby's zodiac in the middle with the parents' two zodiacs surrounding.

There is no limit to the possibilities!

This is the perfect customized gift for the moms in your life. They deserves it!

The Lucky Star: Family Necklace by Mickey Lynn comes on an 18" chain, available in silver or gold.

Hurry! Mother's Day is May 9th!

Mickey Lynn Loves... Roberto Coin Tiny Treasures

2010-04-20T06:59:00.000-07:00

Okay, I have seen some of the Roberto Coin diamond and white gold small pendant necklaces before. The ones I have seen, however, were diamond initials and the pretty common peace sign, circle pendant...you know what I am talking about.

But I was blown away by the creative and perfectly compact collection of tiny treasures. These diamond pendants have so much personality!

These are some of my favorite Tiny Treasures....

Learning Corner: Gold Filled versus Gold Plated

2010-04-16T06:10:00.000-07:00

We have all seen the ads telling us to turn in our gold jewelry for cash. Right now the price for gold is high, and we are all looking for some extra cash. But, before you address, seal and send all your gold, you may want to take a closer look at what you have.

Since gold is so expensive and rare, I mostly use 14K gold filled. Jewelry that is gold filled (GF) has an actual layer of gold, giving it more value and making it less likely to tarnish.

For example, a 14K gold filled necklace is made by bonding a thick layer of 14K gold to a core of brass. Everything you are seeing and touching on a gold filled piece is gold.

While gold filled jewelry will wear very well (you may never see it tarnish), gold plated jewelry may rub off after only a few wears. The layer of gold on plated jewelry is very thin.

What's your charm?

2010-04-15T09:00:00.000-07:00

I love charms. How can you not? It is such a great way to personalize your jewelry. I will be introducing some of my latest designs in a few months, but I thought I would share some unique ones I have found. These are pretty creative.

Have you seen any unique charms? Would love to hear from you!

Sleeping Bag Charm

Black Jack Charm

Fire Extinquisher Charm

Lips Charms

Confessions of a Rebel Debutante

2010-04-15T04:58:00.000-07:00

We are so excited to read fellow southern lady, Anna Field's memoir Confessions of a Rebel Debutante. It is out in stores today, so grab a copy. A perfect light-hearted beach read.

And, we highly recommend you check out Anna Field's blog. It is hilarious.

Check out Rebel Debutante t-shirts

And handcrafted charm pendant necklaces by Mickey Lynn

Ring Candy

2010-04-10T06:14:00.000-07:00

For all you jewel junkies, you know JCK magazine is the magazine in the world of gemstones and jewelry. They just posted the jewelry winners for a variety of categories.

All of the jewels were beautiful, but there was one ring that particularly caught my eye. The designer of this stunner is Arto Vandian. It is an 18k gold ring set with chrome diopside druze and .85 carats of diamonds.

Check out what other amazing pieces of jewelry they have. They are all crafted from the finest in diamonds and colored gemstones (my favorite combo). My favorite, of course, is the Nature collection, but the others are dazzling as well.

Learning Corner: Gemstone of the day

2010-04-05T05:02:00.000-07:00

Sleeping beauty turquoise is named after the mountains in Arizona where this beautiful gem is mined. Did you know that the Sleeping Beauty Mountains, located in Globe, Arizona produce the best turquoise in the world? Pretty cool, huh.

The best part of sleeping beauty turquoise is its famed deep robin blue hue with little or no matrix. Thus, Sleeping Beauty Mountains yields only a small amount of high quality turquoise.

I love working with these true beauties. These are truly rare gemstones and thus are much more expensive than normal turquoise. You must see for yourself!

Mickey Lynn Perfect Pair necklace

Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend..

2010-03-31T11:58:00.000-07:00

I have always been jealous of April birthdays.

I mean April babies get to have the Diamond gemstone as their birthday stone.

Why not shake it up this April with a little something different....

It won't break the bank and we are willing to bet no one will have the same stone:)

So get your friends (and yourself) a Mickey Lynn "diamond" charm necklace.

A New Way to Wear Jewelry

2010-03-29T07:35:00.000-07:00

I was flipping through Elle Magazine yesterday and fell in love with the t-shirt collaboration from Tom Binns and JET.

Check out these graphic prints tees!

Learning Corner: Gemstone of the day

2010-03-24T16:36:00.000-07:00

Put on those thinking caps....gem class begins now. I mean you should want to know what these stones mean or where they come from. Who knows when this information will come in handy.

Today's gemstone: Hematite

What: Hematite is a silvery, lustrous stone that resembles metal. It derives its name from a Greek word meaning blood-stone in relation to its blood red color (in the powdered form).

Where: Various metamorphic and sedimentary rocks are the source of this beautiful shiny mineral. The main deposits of Hematite are found in igneous rocks around Lake Superior, Brazil, Venezuela and Quebec.

Cool facts: Also used as polishing powder and a paint pigment.

Extra Cool Fact: Hematite bead are very beneficial in magnetic healing therapy and they make stunning jewelry pieces.

I love working with this stone. Here is one of my favorites from the Whip It Collection: Hematite earrings. (to the left)

Check out this vintage leaf brooch.

Wedding Flora

2010-03-22T10:52:00.000-07:00

Like many other women out there, I love to flip through the pages of wedding glossies, noting the gorgeous gowns and sparkling diamonds that adorn the pages. I just went through my spring/summer issues and I love the styles and trends for the spring/summer wedding.

But, before I get too far ahead of myself today, I must show you this great ring by Mark Schneider I found on instyleweddings.com. I love the natural, organic look to the leaves.

This particular ring is aptly named Flora. Perfect for the spring bride.

Starlight, Starbright

2010-03-19T06:57:00.000-07:00

You must be my lucky star...

Check out the mini gemstone pendant necklaces.

They are the perfect touch of color.

(shown from left)

January- Garnet

February- Amethyst

March-Aquamarine

April-Crystal Quartz

May-Chrome Diopside

June-Pearl

July- Carnelian

August- Peridot

September- Blue Kyanite

October- Tourmaline

November- Citrine

December- Sleeping Beauty Turquoise

I am in Love...with Cathy Waterman

2010-03-18T08:37:00.000-07:00

I love jewels, but I am definitely not a fan of big rocks and gaudy diamonds. I like more of the subtle shine that radiates from the natural stones.

But I have to admit a slight weakness when it comes to diamond baubles. Two words....Cathy Waterman. Since I can remember I have been a fan of her delicate, finely crafted, sparkling pieces. In fact, I was just looking at some of her new pieces and I can't stop drooling.

My absolute favorite is the feather pendant. It is the perfect piece. Whimsical and elegant.

Shake it Up for St. Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T07:39:00.000-07:00

Don't forget your green today! Try the Prasiolite Cluster Earrings from Mickey Lynn Designs. Or if you would rather take a pinch, save these earrings for those Spring dresses.

How cute would this Mason by Michelle Mason dress from Shop Bop look with the cluster earrings? Thoughts of Spring are in the air.....

Rain, Rain Go Away!

2010-03-12T12:26:00.000-08:00

It is Friday afternoon, and I am here in my studio. Thoughts of the ocean and clear skies are in my mind. I can almost taste the salty air and feel the sand sinking under my toes.

Hey, a girl can dream. Or at least keep a little memento around her neck.....

Check out the Nautical charm collection I have. The charms are made from recycled sterling silver and hand stamped- with your choice of beach symbols...an anchor, a shell, a sea horse, even a cute little turtle. Which one will it be?

If the shoe fits...

2010-03-04T13:50:00.001-08:00

I spend all day looking at and making jewelry. I love every (almost every) piece I design. The colors, the stones, the details. But, I can't seem to stray from my tried-and-true pair of earrings.

The silver and gold double hoops go with everything. On the casual studio days (the majority of my week), they give me a little je ne sais quoi and they still work on those days where I dress up (pretty rarely). They are like the perfect pair of True Religion jeans that you find. Even though we have a million other pairs in the closet, we keep reaching for the same ones.

So, as I sit here now gazing at the gorgeous designs (if I do say so myself), I'm still wearing these hoops.

You know what they say, if the shoe fits..wear it!

TGIF

2010-02-26T07:51:00.000-08:00

It's beautiful outside, so I am feeling generous. So generous in fact, that I am offering 25% off all orders for this weekend only. Enter code: TGIF at checkout. Click here to check out our site.

Have a great weekend!

Get a peek at Mickey Lynn...

2010-02-25T09:38:00.000-08:00

Natural Beauty

2010-02-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

I love to work with natural stones. They all sparkle like no diamond I have ever seen. This season is all about color, so let these natural stones pop on their own. No artificial dyes or process needed. If you don't believe me, just look for yourself.

Because they are all natural occuring rocks, there are no two that are the same. So, no one in the world can have the exact same one as you.

My favorite right now are the cluster amethyst druzies from Uruguay. They burst with juicy color. And I am sometimes tempted to take a bite (just kidding). But they do look that delish...

Fool's Gold

2010-02-21T07:40:00.001-08:00

Put some OOMPH into your wardrobe this season. Pair these earrings with a simple dress or even shirt and jeans...and voila..

Mickey Lynn Pyrite and Chain Earrings

Triple 14k Gold rings, hanging chains, pyrite rocks (4") $120

Buy now