I’ve always been a sucker for sparkling gemstones. Diamonds are lovely, but to me nothing compares to a beautifully cut and polished emerald or ruby. If you want to surprise your significant other this holiday season, consider a dazzling ring or pendant in the colors of the season.

Did you realize that the color in gemstones is caused by impurities? I find that fascinating. Maybe that’s why they’re so appealing to me. I’ve never been one to go for things that are considered “perfect.” To me, an ideal drinking glass is a slightly off-center hand blown one, full of bubbles, thicker on one side than the other. Not to compare the glory of a red ruby or deep green emerald to a drinking glass, but you get the idea.

I encourage you to look at many different rings or pendants, in various settings before making your final decision. Certain settings tend to bring out the “personality” of the stone more than others.

Most people think of jewelry as earrings, pins, bracelets or necklaces. I have found something surprising that can also be considered jewelry.

The interesting thing is that it’s something we’re all familiar with- we often wear it ourselves, never thinking of it as a piece of jewelry. Curious? You should be! It is an underrated and undervalued item, and I’d like to see it more appreciated.

And no, I’m not talking about belly button rings or other even more (a-hem) unusual bodily adornments.

What I’m referring to is the lowly name tag, name badge or whatever else you’re used to calling it.