Holiday Gift Guide: Joseph Nogucci IRIS Bead & Charm Bracelet Review

Every holiday season, I easily purchase gifts for the entire family, but there is one person I always save for last. Finding a great gift for my mom is always difficult and I struggle with it every single year. This year, however, I found the perfect gift for her. Joseph Nogucci IRIS glass bead and charm bracelets are so beautiful and can be customized to your own liking. Plus, they are absolutely beautiful!

Rebecca Glass Bead

My mom and I both love jewelry, so when I read about the Joseph Nogucci bracelets, I couldn't wait to receive one. On the website, customers have the option to buy complete bracelets, which come with either 5 charms or 5 beads, or they can create their own! The IRIS Lampwork Glass Beads on the bracelet are beautifully handcrafted blown glass, giving each of them a shiny and unique look that is surely eye-catching. The charms come in both silver and rhodium and the band comes in your choice of a silver European clasp or a genuine leather double-wrap.

As soon as my package came in the mail, I tore it open to reveal a gorgeous bracelet complete with glass beads and charms. I was able to pick my favorite colors, blue, purple and green, which fit perfectly together along-side the silver charms. When picking out your charms and beads on the website, you can tell how pretty they are, but seeing the finished product is even more beautiful and breathtaking! My favorite of the beads is the Rebecca, a blue and white Murano inspired glass lampwork bead that just shines and shines when light hits it. My favorite charm is the Annette Rhodium charm, a triangular shaped charm that resembles a Celtic design.

Another thing I love about this bracelet is the clasp. It's different from all the other jewelry I own and is so much easier to put on myself without help. Instead of having to hold the clasp open with one hand, one side of the bracelet easily fits into the clasp and shuts around it.

European Clasp

All of the beads fit together and make a truly unique bracelet that my mom will be able to wear and enjoy for many years to come. I wish buying her presents were this easy every year! Be sure to check out the Joseph Nogucci website for great selection of jewelry. Complete IRIS bead and charm bracelets retail for $109 or you can make your own by purchasing a starter band for $40 and individual charms/beads at $13 each.

Disclosure: This post was written for Joseph Nogucci and a product was received for review purposes. No other compensation was provided. All opinions expressed are my own.

Kranich's Jewelers Review & Beautiful Diamond Knot Ring/Necklace Giveaway

If there is one thing my mom has passed on to me, it has to be her love of beautiful jewelry. While my mom prefers gold, I absolutely love platinum and silver. As for the type of stones, my favorites are, of course, diamonds, but I also think opals and aquamarine (my birthstone) stones are beautiful, too. Sounds like I am open to many pieces of jewelry, but I have to admit I am a bit picky and want quality jewelry that I can one day pass along to my children and they can keep as family heirlooms. This is why I was so excited to hear about Kranich's Jewelers for the first time.

Kranich's Jewelers originally opened in 1903 and, over the years, has become known for their specialization in fine diamond jewelry and engagement rings. They also specialize in fine timepieces, gemstones, pearls, gold and platinum jewelry. Taking a look through their website jewelry selection, I could immediately see why people choose Kranich's when purchasing jewelry for loved ones because they have such a vast variety of items to fit just about anyone's tastes and preferences.

My husband and I just celebrated our sixth anniversary and we were reminiscing about our beautiful wedding in a secluded cabin up in the woods. Surrounded by all of our closest family members, we exchanged vows and were married. Kranich's happens to have some of the most beautiful engagement rings I've seen. I wear my engagement ring along with my wedding ring proudly every day and love showing them off.

Giveaway Time!

Do you love jewelry as much as I do? Well, thanks to Kranich's Jewelers, we have an amazing giveaway! One lucky reader can win their choice of either:

Everlon Diamond Knot Pendant Sterling Silver Necklace ($115 RV)

OR

Everlon Diamond Knot Sterling Silver Ring ($109 RV)

Just use the Giveaway Tools Form below to enter. This giveaway is open to US residents, 18+ years of age and ends on Tuesday, March 19th at 11:59pm. Good Luck!

Jolica Adjustable Leather Briefcase & $50 Gift Card Giveaway

Last year we had the opportunity to work with Jolica, so I was excited to be contacted again during our Holiday Gift Guide Event. They have such beautiful quality jewelry and goods that I always love checking out the website.

About Jolica

Jolica's artisans are based all over the world and have traditions that are passed on through families. All products are handcrafted and Jolica prides itself upon supporting fair trade. This way of business ensures artisans benefit from their work and skill by making a living wage from their beautiful artwork. In addition, the Jolica Foundation has been giving back to communities and countries for many years by partnering with other organizations, including a project called Gift of Sight, providing cataract surgery for adults to prevent blindness and Vitamin A supplements to children.

Our Thoughts
Just reading about Jolica made me excited to work with such a wonderful company and tell my readers about them. I really cannot say enough about them and am grateful for a business that does so much to give back to others.

The last time, we received a beautiful recycled glass necklace to review. This time we opted for a lovely stone colored leather briefcase. The briefcase is handmade in India with an adjustable strap, making it a great gift for both men and women. I originally bought this as a Christmas present for my husband, but once I saw the briefcase, I couldn't bring myself to part with it, so I decided we should share!

True to its color name, "stone", I am reminded of the color of stones at the bottom of a creek bed. The leather is incredibly soft and supple. With the adjustable band, I am able to wear it as a shoulder bag, across my body, which is how I prefer to wear it.

My husband also likes wearing the briefcase and, since he is a lawyer, it has become very helpful when carrying important papers to and from the courthouse!

The inside of the briefcase has enough room for several books, notebooks and/or folders. I also have enough room for my iPad and there is a side pouch for my cell phone. In addition, there are side pockets to store other smaller items like pens and pencils.

As you can see, we love our leather briefcase from Jolica and have been fighting over who gets to use it next! The briefcase retails for $99.50 on the Jolica website and is absolutely worth every penny. Take a look at all the beautiful items they have for sale and remember that the artisans make money from purchases, too, so you are helping provide for other families across the globe. It's a win-win situation!

Ready for a Giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Receive A $50 Gift Card For Jolica.com! 

Holiday Gift Guide: 31 Bits Jewelry Whistler Bracelet Review & Giveaway

Sweet Tart Necklace

A few weeks ago I was looking around the internet and entering giveaways when I came across one for a beautiful necklace from 31 Bits. I have to admit I'd never heard of the company, but was enamored with the piece of jewelry, so I did some research and found out the amazing story of 31 Bits. The owner actually traveled to Uganda while in college and was so taken with the beautiful paper jewelry the women created. After completing her degree, she and some friends went back and now buy jewelry from Uganda on a monthly basis! The result is that the women of Uganda have great paying jobs to help counteract poverty and help them overcome obstacles. Plus, 31 Bits shares amazing jewelry with us!

Their program "equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity". That alone is reason enough for me to support 31 Bits, but the fact that the jewelry  is so beautiful just adds to the appeal and uniqueness of the idea.

We received the 31 Bits Whistler Bracelet in Seafoam Teal for review and it is gorgeous. It looks pretty on the website, but in person it just sparkles. I love the color and think it matches perfectly with the copper beads. This bracelet has six strands and comes in Orange, Blue, Seafoam or Purple.

I've said it before and will say it again... I am very picky about the type of jewelry I wear. I'm probably the only woman who will say this, but I don't care for diamonds and gold. I'd rather wear unique handmade items that tell a story. The Whistler fits into this category perfectly. It's perfect to wear with a dress to church or out to eat, but it would also look great with jeans and a t-shirt. I love that it is versatile and can be worn so often.

The bracelet came in this beautiful pouch!

Retailing at only $32, this makes for a perfect holiday gift! Besides me, I know my sister-in-law would love this bracelet. She's a teacher and could wear this with many of her everyday outfits.

I love the beads!

Take a look at the 31 Bits website! I am sure you will find so many great gift ideas for others (and yourself) just like I did.

Are you ready for a giveaway?

One Lucky Winner Will Receive a Teal 31 Bits Whistler Bracelet Just Like The One We Received!

Reija Eden Jewelry Review & Dream Necklace Giveaway

I have to admit I am very picky about the type of jewelry I wear. That's why I get so excited when I find unique styles that stand out in a crowd. I love handmade jewelry, silver and amethyst more than anything else. When I came across Reija Eden Jewelry, I knew this was something I had to share with my readers.

About Reija Eden

Reija Eden Jewelry offers unique and one of a kind contemporary handmade designer jewelry that is perfect for every day and occasion. Reija uses only the finest quality materials in her handmade jewelry designs and is inspired by the beauty of gemstones, precious metals, current fashion trends, sea life and nature. Her designs are modern and contemporary but still capture all the grace, elegance and artistry of traditional jewelry designs without losing sight of current fashion and trends.

My Thoughts
I was sent the Reija Eden Amethyst Cluster necklace ($58 retail value) for my review and it is absolutely gorgeous! I picked it out on the website and thought it looked beautiful there, but it is even more amazing in person. The cluster is much bigger than the picture made it out to be and it shines when beams of light hit it the right way. I have gotten so many complements when wearing this necklace, so I wear it often! It's become my favorite accessory to wear when going out for a nice dinner or party.

The purple matches perfectly against the silver, but for those who prefer gold, the necklace is available in 14k gold as well. What I love the most is that the necklace can be worn with just about everything. For someone on a budget like myself, this is the kind of jewelry for me because I can wear it more often! So, I can wear it with my everyday clothes and I can also wear it as an accessory with my dressy clothes. Either way it looks beautiful.

Thanks to Reija Eden Jewelry, we have an awesome giveaway for you!

One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Own Reija Eden Dream Necklace with Carnelian Gemstone ($38 Retail Value)!

Diamond Candles: Find Hidden Treasure & Make Your Home Smell Amazing

When walking into a house, one of the first things I notice is how it smells. Of course, I want my house to smell amazing, too, which is why I have many candles spread around the house. I have them on my counters, on the mantle, on my dresser and even in the bathrooms. I love the way they smell and just think they are pretty when lit. However, I am very picky about the types of candles I buy because I want them to smell nice, but I also want them to last a long time. I don't mind spending a little more for a candle that burns an extra-long time, which is why I love soy candles. I was so excited to receive a candle from Diamond Candles!

About Diamond Candles

If you don't know much about us yet we have real rings worth $10, $100, $1,000, or $5,000 in every single earth friendly, all natural soy candle that we make. The combination of highly fragrant premium quality soy candles, an exciting and fun 'ring reveal' experience (what ring will you find?), and a ring to wear for months and years to come means making something as boring as burning candles in your home something to look forward to. 

My Thoughts

There were so many delicious scents from which to choose that it took me a little while to finally decide upon the Sunwashed scented candle from Diamond Candles. I love the smell of fresh, clean sheets and this is exactly how the candle smells. Once lit, the aroma quickly fills the room and makes everything smell blissful.

Josiah loves candles, too!

Like I mentioned, I like when candles take a long time to burn and soy candles last quite a while, but knowing there was a surprise waiting inside made it almost unbearable! Thank goodness I had the wonderful scent to occupy my senses until I could finally see a gold wrapper begin to emerge in the wax.

You can see the gold wrapper emerge from the wax!

 There is a place on the side of the candle that shows you where the ring is, so I knew when it was getting close. I don't think I've ever been so excited! My son was there are excited, too, wondering what treasure was wrapped up in the foil.

What could be inside?

We opened it and, to my surprise, it was a beautiful silver ring with faux diamonds and a blue stone resembling aquamarine. Just like candles, I am also picky about jewelry and it's like the candle knew exactly what I liked. I do not wear gold and aquamarine is my birthstone! It's just a coincidence, I know, but it was a very happy one.

A beautiful ring!

The Sunwashed Diamond Candle retails at $24.95 and is completely worth the money. I've paid more for candles before that didn't last as long and they most definitely didn't have a beautiful ring waiting inside for me! I am hooked on Diamond Candles now and cannot wait to get more.

Be sure to Like Diamond Candles on Facebook to keep up with all the latest news!

Have you bought a Diamond Candle yet? If so, what kind of ring did you find inside?

Disclosure: A product was received for review purposes; however, all opinions are my own