NorCal GTG 1/17 Pics

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 12:13:41 PM
Author: Catmom
Wonderful pictures and bling!!! Looks like an amazing time was had.

Thanks catmom - I''d love to see your beautiful collection someday

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 12:28:11 PM
Author: coatimundi
Gorgeous ladies!!

Thanks for posting all this fab candy AG! I wish I could''ve gone!

Awww...coati, we would''ve loved to have had you there

Maybe next time

 

[VRBeauty]

Date: 1/20/2009 1:50:53 PM
Author: AmberGretchen

I noticed that! I LOVE the new avatar - and of course you know I adored those spesses (I''m sure that''s not a word, but whatever...

). Any idea what you are going to do with those beauties? Where did you get them, I don''t think I ever asked?

The spessartites came from a Thai vendor via ebay. I purchased them in 2 or 3 parcels (I''ve forgotten) but from the same vendor. Originally I had in mind a 3- or 5-stone drop pendant, and I did see one or two pendant at Tiffany''s that sort of advanced that thought. However, I''m real reluctant to break up the "set" (the stones are not matched in color, size, or shape

) so I may hold out for plan B -- a project that would use more of the stones and more of my resources generally!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 3:14:04 PM
Author: VRBeauty

Date: 1/20/2009 1:50:53 PM

Author: AmberGretchen


I noticed that! I LOVE the new avatar - and of course you know I adored those spesses (I''m sure that''s not a word, but whatever...

). Any idea what you are going to do with those beauties? Where did you get them, I don''t think I ever asked?

The spessartites came from a Thai vendor via ebay. I purchased them in 2 or 3 parcels (I''ve forgotten) but from the same vendor. Originally I had in mind a 3- or 5-stone drop pendant, and I did see one or two pendant at Tiffany''s that sort of advanced that thought. However, I''m real reluctant to break up the ''set'' (the stones are not matched in color, size, or shape

) so I may hold out for plan B -- a project that would use more of the stones and more of my resources generally!

Have you considered a DBTY-style necklace with them? Even though they aren''t perfectly matched, I think that could be stunning, and you could even have a drop attached to it - like an extra bezeled stone hanging off the front

There might even be enough stones to make a matching bracelet too

 

[snlee]

Looks like you had so much fun! I wish I could have been there!

AG, thanks so much for posting pictures! I love seeing everyone''s beautiful rings!

Hi flopkins!

 

[Madam Bijoux]

Great pictures! Thanks for posting them - glad everyone had a good time.

 

[Harleigh]

Hi Ladies,

Sorry, I wasn''t able to respond until work was over for me today...DH''s computer locked up every time I tried to get on this weekend, and my laptop is still being worked on at DELL, so here I sit after the kids leave putting off getting anything worthwhile done! Keep your fingers crossed that my computer is returned to me sooner rather than later!

First of all, thanks so much to AG for planning our little outing on Saturday and being our photographer! I''m sorry we didn''t get to see more of you...hope you are feeling better now!

Second of all, I never would have made it there without VRBeauty''s navigational skills...I can print the maps, but it doesn''t mean they''ll get me there! Thanks, VR...it was great to get to spend more time with you on the ride to SF and back.

Thirdly, thanks to Gypsy (and your sweet hubby John) for making it into the city to have lunch with us...what a nice surprise that was to finally meet both of you and "The Gypsy" on your finger!

Thank you for joining us and sharing your gorgeous wedding photos, also. I hope you are feeling better this week!

And last, WOW, what a treat Saturday was! It was a gorgeous day, gorgeous ladies and gorgeous gems...who could ask for anything more??? I just have to say that I think AG''s tsavorite and diamond band looks 1000X better in person than in the pictures, and the pictures of it are already pretty great! It is absolutely stunning, and the colors and clarity of those stones and ACA diamonds is to die for. I wish you could all see it in person as it is perfection. I think we all left wanting some tsavorites for ourself one day down the road!

I also loved all of the pink stones...pink spinels and pink sapphires...it made my poor pink tourmaline pale in comparison...must.get.brighter.stones! Many of your stones and jewels gave me some great ideas for a project or two one day down the road...I can''t wait to get something new one of these days. What shall I call it? Happy Valentine''s Day to me?

It was so lovely to meet all of you ladies who I''ve read so much about! Your gems and jewels are all spectacular, and I can''t wait to do it all over again! Thank you again for including me in your outing!

 

[Harleigh]

Date: 1/19/2009 5:38:30 PM
Author: platinumrock
How fun!!! So much eye candy! And Harleigh''s wedding set is spectacular!

Thank you, platinum rock! It was nice to have some new pictures with all 3 bands soldered together!

 

[Harleigh]

Date: 1/19/2009 5:59:31 PM
Author: AmberGretchen

Date: 1/19/2009 5:38:30 PM
Author: platinumrock
How fun!!! So much eye candy! And Harleigh''s wedding set is spectacular!

Agreed - that set is truly a stunner, and she is so lovely in person too - what a nice combination - lovely lady, lovely rings

Thank you, AG, it was so nice to meet you, too...you are such a kind and generous person! Thanks for taking such great pictures for everyone!

 

[Harleigh]

Date: 1/19/2009 6:03:07 PM
Author: Harriet

Date: 1/19/2009 4:55:14 PM
Author: AmberGretchen

Date: 1/19/2009 4:48:27 PM
Author: Harriet

Who''s spesses are those?

They are VRBeauty''s - aren''t they scrumptious??

They are juicy. I''m sorry I missed you, Harleigh and others.

Hi Harriet!

Those spesses of VR''s are gorgeous! I wish you could have been there! Maybe next time?

 

[Harleigh]

Date: 1/20/2009 11:59:52 AM
Author: VRBeauty
AG: Thanks for the new avatar!

VR-It looks amazing! I love AG''s idea for a BTY necklace and bracelet...if that''s not for everyday wear, I don''t know what is! Totally a classic look!!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 5:29:27 PM
Author: snlee
Looks like you had so much fun! I wish I could have been there!


AG, thanks so much for posting pictures! I love seeing everyone''s beautiful rings!


Hi flopkins!

Aww...we missed you for sure! I''m glad you enjoyed the pictures though

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 5:49:21 PM
Author: Madam Bijoux
Great pictures! Thanks for posting them - glad everyone had a good time.

Glad you enjoyed the pictures - it was definitely a very nice time - so nice to meet such sweet people

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 6:24:47 PM
Author: Harleigh

Date: 1/19/2009 5:59:31 PM

Author: AmberGretchen

Date: 1/19/2009 5:38:30 PM

Author: platinumrock

How fun!!! So much eye candy! And Harleigh''s wedding set is spectacular!

Agreed - that set is truly a stunner, and she is so lovely in person too - what a nice combination - lovely lady, lovely rings

Thank you, AG, it was so nice to meet you, too...you are such a kind and generous person! Thanks for taking such great pictures for everyone!

Ditto - it was lovely to finally meet you, and hear all about your new furbabies. I hope Taz is recovering nicely from her spay operation - I''m sorry I didn''t get a chance to see the pictures, but hopefully once your computer is back up and running you can post them here

 

[snlee]

Beacon, I can''t believe I missed your reset. It''s gorgeous! I hope to see it in person soon!

AG, thanks! I hope to see you and your new ring soon!

 

[ChargerGrrl]

AWESOME pics! looks like y''all had a great time.

 

[Art Nouveau]

Thank you AG for organizing the GTG and for taking and posting all the lovely photos. I had a really good time seeing everybody again and looking at all your jewelry. I agree with Beacon that the little signs at Tiffany were tacky. We were given the ''royal'' treatment at the DeBeers store, thanks to the sales lady recognizing Beacon. DeBeers had very fine quality micropave settings for their diamonds, but they were very expensive. Before I went home, I went back to Langs'' to ask their gemologist who knows Widget, if she has seen her recently. Unfortunately, she said no.

AN

 

[movie zombie]

yes, a big thanks for organizing! and a big thanks for pictures here and via photo bucket, Rebecca!

movie zombie

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 7:15:38 PM
Author: ChargerGrrl
AWESOME pics! looks like y''all had a great time.

Thanks Charger - we certainly did have a lovely time

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 9:55:45 PM
Author: Art Nouveau
Thank you AG for organizing the GTG and for taking and posting all the lovely photos. I had a really good time seeing everybody again and looking at all your jewelry. I agree with Beacon that the little signs at Tiffany were tacky. We were given the ''royal'' treatment at the DeBeers store, thanks to the sales lady recognizing Beacon. DeBeers had very fine quality micropave settings for their diamonds, but they were very expensive. Before I went home, I went back to Langs'' to ask their gemologist who knows Widget, if she has seen her recently. Unfortunately, she said no.


AN

AN it was such a pleasure to have you and your stunning pieces (those pink spinels - OMG!

) at the GTG. That was very sweet and thoughtful of you to inquire after Widget - as you know, I''ve had no luck reaching her either, but hopefully she will return to the boards soon and let us know what she''s been up to.

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/20/2009 10:20:57 PM
Author: movie zombie
yes, a big thanks for organizing! and a big thanks for pictures here and via photo bucket, Rebecca!


movie zombie

Glad you enjoyed the pics - hope you can join us next time

 

[asscher_girl]

Amber, thanks so much for posting the GTG pics! And thanks again for all of the organizing you did for us, I had such a blast. It was great to see everyone, I wish I could have spent more time wtih everyone, I barely saw Beacon - miss ya Beacon!

AG - I really really love your new tsav and diamond ring! It is absolutely gorgeous and incredible in person! Hope you don''t mind but that ring in all diamonds is now on the top of my list!

(after another asscher upgrade of course)!

Harleigh, it was so great finally meeting you, you are such a sweetie!!! I''m so glad you and VR made it all way from Sac!

Layla, so glad you could join us, thank you to your hubby for making that happen.

Violet, I had a great time chatting w/ you in the car and at lunch, let''s be sure to get together again soon! And I just loved your wedding set so much! Especially that awesome oec band!

Flopkins - wish I could have chatted with you more, hopefully you can make it to another gtg soon.

Great seeing you again Swingirl!

AN - loved that art deco diamond ring, soooooo yummy! It was so nice seeing you too!

Missed you Snlee!

AG - loved those pics of my new band, I thought they turned out really good. Thanks!

 

[violet02]

Date: 1/21/2009 9:05:16 AM
Author: asscher_girl
Amber, thanks so much for posting the GTG pics! And thanks again for all of the organizing you did for us, I had such a blast. It was great to see everyone, I wish I could have spent more time wtih everyone, I barely saw Beacon - miss ya Beacon!

AG - I really really love your new tsav and diamond ring! It is absolutely gorgeous and incredible in person! Hope you don''t mind but that ring in all diamonds is now on the top of my list!

(after another asscher upgrade of course)!

Harleigh, it was so great finally meeting you, you are such a sweetie!!! I''m so glad you and VR made it all way from Sac!

Layla, so glad you could join us, thank you to your hubby for making that happen.

Violet, I had a great time chatting w/ you in the car and at lunch, let''s be sure to get together again soon! And I just loved your wedding set so much! Especially that awesome oec band!

Flopkins - wish I could have chatted with you more, hopefully you can make it to another gtg soon.

Great seeing you again Swingirl!

AN - loved that art deco diamond ring, soooooo yummy! It was so nice seeing you too!

Missed you Snlee!

AG - loved those pics of my new band, I thought they turned out really good. Thanks!

I had an awesome time hanging out with you as well! Can''t wait to do more fun things like raid dress shops!

 

[swingirl]

Thanks AG for all your planning, photography and photo posting. Your tsav ring is gorgeous. Beautiful shade of green!

Thanks to everyone who drove long distances, fought SF traffic and parking, squeezed in this GTG in spite of having other plans, came when they weren’t feeling 100%, and took public transportation! It shows true dedication! Thanks, AG, for pick-up and delivery!! I do appreciate your driving and GPS!

It was such a pleasant day. We had a nice time chatting, eating, and trying on $40,000 necklaces! I certainly enjoy bling shopping but I most enjoy seeing everyone’s lovelies and hearing the details about what they are and how they were acquired. The antique pieces are such a treat to see and AN always has surprises!

 

[AmberGretchen]

Date: 1/21/2009 9:05:16 AM
Author: asscher_girl
Amber, thanks so much for posting the GTG pics! And thanks again for all of the organizing you did for us, I had such a blast. It was great to see everyone, I wish I could have spent more time wtih everyone, I barely saw Beacon - miss ya Beacon!


AG - I really really love your new tsav and diamond ring! It is absolutely gorgeous and incredible in person! Hope you don''t mind but that ring in all diamonds is now on the top of my list!

(after another asscher upgrade of course)!

AG - loved those pics of my new band, I thought they turned out really good. Thanks!

Always a pleasure to see - I wish we''d gotten to spend more time together too, but I really enjoyed what time we did spend. And I can''t wait to see both your asscher upgrade and the 5-stone all-diamond band

 

[Beacon]

It was great to hang out with the PS group and meet some new faces and browse the most awesome bling. I enjoyed seeing everyone's jewelry and I thought it was a great treat when AN brought out the art nouveau pin that is her avatar. This little item has so much character - it's lovely. Even has a natural pearl drop suspended from the bottom.

Violet - thinking of you today - hope everything is going ok at the office!

I always learn a lot from meeting with PSers and this occasion was no exception - nice to see you all and look forward to next time!

 

[violet02]

Date: 1/22/2009 12:33:14 PM
Author: Beacon
It was great to hang out with the PS group and meet some new faces and browse the most awesome bling. I enjoyed seeing everyone''s jewelry and I thought it was a great treat when AN brought out the art nouveau pin that is her avatar. This little item has so much character - it''s lovely. Even has a natural pearl drop suspended from the bottom.

Violet - thinking of you today - hope everything is going ok at the office!

I always learn a lot from meeting with PSers and this occasion was no exception - nice to see you all and look forward to next time!

Thanks so much for thinking of me Beacon!

Just to give everyone an update (for those of you not following this in the news).

Microsoft announced 5k layoffs today. 1400 of the layoffs occuring today and 3600 over the next 18 months. Each division basically got a mail saying no cuts here or some cuts etc. I know MSN as a division is going to see some cuts (I''m under that) but our actual business group in it''s entirety was luckily spared from any cuts. So I''m still here!

What this means for next quarter and the next 18 months? I can''t say for sure, we don''t know. I do know that Microsoft is implementing a lot of cost cutting measures including a freeze on raises until next year. I can''t blame them for doing these things. A job is better than no job.

One of my friends got laid off though from his group. He''s been here for over 10 years. He''s having a really hard time right now. As someone who''s been laid off three times and has been through even more layoffs than that my heart goes out to everyone going through this right now.
Those of us spared are going to have to kick it into high gear or risk being on the list next time around.

 

[Italiahaircolor]

Everyone has such lovely jewelry...I''m glad you ladies had a nice time!

 

[movie zombie]

Date: 1/22/2009 4:13:06 PM
Author: violet02

Date: 1/22/2009 12:33:14 PM
Author: Beacon
It was great to hang out with the PS group and meet some new faces and browse the most awesome bling. I enjoyed seeing everyone''s jewelry and I thought it was a great treat when AN brought out the art nouveau pin that is her avatar. This little item has so much character - it''s lovely. Even has a natural pearl drop suspended from the bottom.

Violet - thinking of you today - hope everything is going ok at the office!

I always learn a lot from meeting with PSers and this occasion was no exception - nice to see you all and look forward to next time!

Thanks so much for thinking of me Beacon!

Just to give everyone an update (for those of you not following this in the news).

Microsoft announced 5k layoffs today. 1400 of the layoffs occuring today and 3600 over the next 18 months. Each division basically got a mail saying no cuts here or some cuts etc. I know MSN as a division is going to see some cuts (I''m under that) but our actual business group in it''s entirety was luckily spared from any cuts. So I''m still here!

What this means for next quarter and the next 18 months? I can''t say for sure, we don''t know. I do know that Microsoft is implementing a lot of cost cutting measures including a freeze on raises until next year. I can''t blame them for doing these things. A job is better than no job.

One of my friends got laid off though from his group. He''s been here for over 10 years. He''s having a really hard time right now. As someone who''s been laid off three times and has been through even more layoffs than that my heart goes out to everyone going through this right now.
Those of us spared are going to have to kick it into high gear or risk being on the list next time around.

hubby''s group has been spared.

movie zombie

ps may want to start a new thread..........

 

[violet02]

Good idea I''ll do that.

What group was your hubby in MZ if you can say? Or division at least.