Now I really did it :((

[Sunstorm]

Good morning my NIRDIs, hi Missy, I knew we would start posting around the same time. Hope you are also having some nice coffee.

Sorry, I did say that her name was Sancy after a famous diamond but her registered name is Renaissance. She is a blue Aby also and is already around 7 months. She is with my best friend, her kitten in California. We had waited years for a blue and now it happened out of the blue. I just cannot decide. I cannot decide about the whole thing because I am not sure if I have the time or want to breed a litter but poor Vinnie, I need to make a decision on this fast but we have always felt Sancy was Stella reborn. Now Sapphie is like Stella was so much but I am not sure how long I will have Sapphie and I need my Aby and also would like a cat with the temperament that my lines had.Vinnie is a Stella son and a Sapphie grandson and my lines always had the best temperament in cats I have ever experienced, which is why I would like to do it. I guess if I do go to the GTG I can bring her over but then she will be an adult by that time.

This morning I am ok. No, not great, not in the best of moods but it happens especially when I am home and I can think about things, by the evening I am usually more myself. I slept in again. Sapphie does not want to eat again. Not sure if she has something bad going on or this is her usual thing, guess we can only wait and see. It is so hard with older kitties.

I am happy about my mom though she is still not great but at least the lump is ok for now and her lungs were clear, this is all we can know for the moment. She is coming back to Hungary and then we can at least talk. She will also come and visit soon. That will be really nice.

Not sure about my friends, I may postpone it till the weekend after next.

Callie I am with you on saving for bling.) I always tell myself the same thing. I want to save for bling so I try to make only small purchases otherwise, it is not easy when you go out shopping with friends or family though. Definitely not easy when we are such shopaholics, you, Missy and me definitely are. Congrats on your new acquisitions. I am somewhere in between, I sometimes put things on hold but when I do that I will usually get them, mostly I just think it over and buy.

Here you cannot return things like in the US so you better make up your mind before you buy. I am not into returning anyhow but I am torn on what is better. Of course you can exchange here but sometimes the strict policy here really hurts the consumer, at the same time in the US many people abuse the policy that they can return everything. We have had that happen a lot when I worked in jewelry retail in the US. It can really hurt businesses and when people bring back either switched items or badly damaged, well, I have many extreme stories about that, it is really outrageous. So I guess I am normally quite anti-return and for exchanges only in most cases but that has hurt me here when I bought something expensive and defective. Then it is not nice at all and when a return is well-founded I do think especially big brands should take them. I would like it to be somewhere in between. This is just purely from a consumer point of view.

Junebug, that zircon ring is definitely really nice. I wish it was paraiba, I personally do not like zircon as much and am afraid of radioactivity. It is a brittle stone too as you said though it is a very nice looking stone. But the ring is gorgeous and if you like it you should get it, you definitely deserve it. Or just save up for your big purchase, as you wish. I can be both ways, sometimes I grab a deal I love or make one and it will be one of my favorites, other times I save up. The color os the zircon is stunning, I would love that as it would go great with the color of my wardrobe, I have tons of turquoise colored dresses. It is definitely my color; green, teal, turquoise and acqua, green with blue in it or blue with green in it, this is why I have always dreamt of a paraiba. But of course the color of your jewelry does not have to match your clothing, many people do not dress as colorful as I do.

I did, however, buy many dresses to match my yellow and orange-yellow diamonds , I am that way, buying clothes to match jewelry. I too love emeralds but I liked the design and the shape of the center stone which turned out to be a rhodolite you said. I am not a ruby person either but lately I have had a liking for some, generally I am not a rhodolite or garnet person but there are big exceptions there too, some garnets are truly amazing, it truly depends on the stone, this one was nice. What are your colors usually? That may matter and also what gemstones you like, then there will always be exceptions.

Oh, I wrote a novel again, well, this was the good morning novel to everyone, is anyone having special plans for the weekend?

 

[MarionC]

Marcy, how are you doing today?
I am both anxious to have my Mom's estate settled and also mourning that it really will be the end of contact with her in some strange way. I know our parents would certainly want us to move on and enjoy life to the fullest!

I still get mail for my Dad - AT&T owes him 11 dollars, so I get a credit statement every month. They can't send me a check because they say he no longer has an account, but the computer keeps spitting out the statement so it goes on & on. I love it!

As far as hospital bills go, after my Mom died I got a bill from the hospital that read something like: "Dear Marion, We are disappointed. You were given the best of care during your stay with us yet you have failed to pay your bill".
I was angry because there was some negligence. So wrote back and said "Dear Hospital, I haven't paid my bill because due to your negligence I died". I didn't get another bill and never heard from them again

Missy, i wonder if the whole East Coast is grey today.We are fogged in Are you planning to go to the beach house or will you wait for a sunny day?

Junebug, I'm anxiously waiting to see what new bling joins the NIRDI!
The cut & color of the blue stone is so beautiful.

 

[Tourmaline]

As far as hospital bills go, after my Mom died I got a bill from the hospital that read something like: "Dear Marion, We are disappointed. You were given the best of care during your stay with us yet you have failed to pay your bill". I was angry because there was some negligence. So wrote back and said "Dear Hospital, I haven't paid my bill because due to your negligence I died". I didn't get another bill and never heard from them again

Wow! Good for you, haha!

Ladies, I can't keep up with this thread, so I am not going to try, but you are a lovely bunch and I have enjoyed participating for a while. Hugs!

 

[Sunstorm]

Wow, talk about black humor! I was first shocked and angry when I read the story of your mom Jimmianne but then I had a huge laugh because what you wrote back was brilliant and shame on them, I cannot believe how upsetting this must have been for you, yet you really gave it to them good! Good for you! This is really very sad though Jimmianne, I can only beging to imagine how this must feel and then you also mentioned that your husband passed away and I think you are the strongest, most courageous lady to handle all of this so considerably well and to go on with your life and have not only the will to live but also be able to enjoy your life. I am not sure that after this many losses that is easy. I think that after a few losses shock hits and you go numb, at least that was what happened to me but still cannot say it is easy to remain cheerful and happy in life. Yet as I have mentioned before I love life and I think you love life and we go on! Big hugs to you.

Sorry to hear that you are leaving Tourmaline, we loved having you here, of course you can post still whenever you like. No one can keep up completely as you could perhaps tell I get confused at times too but we all come here when we can. Hugs to you too.

 

[junebug17]

Missy, here are the two links for the ring - now I'm second guessing whether it's a good price lol! I took a quick look at a few CS vendors and zircon isn't that expensive - but it seems like a fair price I guess. The setting is platinum with diamonds so that's something to keep in mind re price. It's not as expensive as most rings I've been seeing that I like. It's hard to figure out what a fair price is for these antique, one- of- a -kind rings. Actually, the ring is less expensive if you purchase from Oakgem, so I'm wondering why someone would buy from 1st dibs! Maybe it's possible to negotiate a bit on 1st dibs, don't' know. And honestly, I really don't know what the heck I'm doing, I'm extremely undecided so if you are interested in the ring and want to check it out please feel free to go for it!

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/more-rings/id-j_197414/

http://oakgem.com/Products/Antique_Belle_Epoque_Platinum_Zircon_Diamond_Ring_4039.aspx

Ovi, I agree with you, I really enjoy matching rings to outfits! My dilemma is I purchased a ring in December that is similar in color to the blue zircon ring, and part of me would like to have a different colored stone - red, pink, green, or yellow. I also have a darkish blue sapphire ring. Thank you so much for your thoughts on blue zircon.

Here is a pic of the infamous ring I bought that I'm not really in love with - I got enamored with the thought of a Tiffany ring, originally wanted a Soleste but the stone was similar to my sapphire, and I didn't want to pay tiffany prices, so I found a second hand Legacy from a private seller (came with papers, boxes, bags). Lovely ring but disappointed in finger coverage, totally my own fault, I knew it but talked myself into it - private seller, no returns - it's an aquamarine. I like it best stacked with 2 rings.



And I'm sorry Sapphie isn't eating right now, hopefully it will pass and she'll get her appetite back soon. I can see where this would be pretty stressful for you.

Marcy, I hope you had a relaxing evening with Marty and are feeling ok! Continuing to think of you. I think you deserve to spoil yourself these next few days, you've had a tough week.

Calliecake, they're all from 1st dibs except the pink sapphire, that's from 66 mint. Have you ever checked that site out? Enter at your own risk haha! I am really drawn to the emerald ring too, green is one of my favorite colors and I would like to own an emerald. The emerald looks pretty included and I wonder about damage, you're not always going to get perfection with these antique rings. This ring is more expensive and would eat up my bling budget. Each OEC diamond is 18 points, so pretty blingy. Here's a hand shot


Tourmaline, I understand but I really hope you pop in once in a while at least! This thread moves fast and I don't always keep up myself. We would love to hear from you.

I hope I didn't bore you guys with my ruminating over this purchase! I'll back off, it's just that I don't really have anyone to discuss this with IRL. thanks for listening!

 

[azstonie]

Do.
Not.
Back.
Off!

We love the pics and when its us, its not ruminating (bad thing) its mulling over a pretty purchase

Okay, the blue zircon ring. I have a bias against zircons because they are very brittle. I consider them dangerous to wear more than say to a ball or tea

Just looking at settings, I LOVE the green stone with large diamond halo. That ring has "it," the elusive IT. Is it an emerald or a tourmaline? Do you have a link to this one? I'll look back in the thread, you might've said where it was from. This ring, for me, has charisma and the real antique or vintage appearance. It looks marvelous on the hand.

This one is the standout to me of all the rings when you look at the entire package: Color/saturation/hue of the colored stone center, beautiful proportions of the diamonds/halo, overall proportions of the ring.

Here's something about the color green: It has the most variations in nature of all the colors. I have a 12-mm peridot ring that I wear all the time because it makes my hand look beautiful and it just exudes "fresh" "springtime" and nature. Green stones, IMHO, are never gaudy or old lady-ish and complement/contrast lots of your clothes.

**********************Okay, I read back, its an emerald.

Here's a thought about emeralds and inclusions: When you get a hue/saturation like the stone in the picture, who cares about inclusions. That just says "Real honest to God emerald here, from Mother Nature." Regarding damage to the stone that may already exist? Contact the seller and ask. Regarding damage you might do? People have been wearing emeralds a really long time. I say wear it, love it, don't wear it to remodel your house but do wear it and enjoy it.

I really like that ring. It looks like a ring one would see on The Three Graces, for example.

*****************Regarding your 'mistake' rings: Beautiful but I hear ya in terms of it didn't work out for you. I think we should pool all our jewelry mistakes and open an online Etsy shop and therefore have a retailing license and we can go the shows and auctions for WHOLESALE. And if we sell off a couple of our mistakes, so much the better!!!

 

[junebug17]

Kristie, thanks so much for your input! And for not minding about chatting about this! I am with you on green stones, there is just something so fresh and spring like about them, and at least in the pics the color of this emerald is lovely. I hear you on inclusions, I truly don't mind them in emeralds as long as they don't detract from the beauty of the stone too much. I'd have to pay mega bucks anyway for an emerald with very few inclusions. And yeah, I want to avoid looking old-fashioned. With my old looking hands, I'm afraid I run the risk of looking like an aging socialite!

I have always loved peridots - your ring sounds gorgeous, any chance for a pic?

Here's a link to the ring…says no damage to any of the stones, but I can check on that. I'm not overly concerned about damaging the emerald myself because I'm super careful with my rings and I don't wear them all the time.

If, and it's a big if because I am very undecided, I decided to buy this ring, I would make an offer on it.

https://www.1stdibs.com/jewelry/rings/cocktail-rings/id-j_255306/

 

[Calliecake]

Hi Girls,

Missy, I had a crazy morning. I looked out back thus morning and there were two 20 year old guys ice fishing. It's been 50 to 60 degrees the past few days here and they are on the lake with giant puddles of water all around them. Then I see a dog running on the lake. The boys took off after the dog and luckily got him but the dig did fall into the lake. I'm just glad they were able to get him out of the water safely. I tracked down where the dog lived and my husband drove to their home to get his owners. The poor dog is going to be fine. Can you believe after all this the boys would not get off the lake and continued ice fishing. They watched a dog fall thru the ice and still would not stop. They told me they were over 18. I just looked at them and said Honey that doesn't mean you won't fall thru the same way the dog did. Seriously!

I put clothes on hold all the time if I'm not sure because like you, I'm also bad at returning. Hence all the clothes with tags sitting in my closet. I need another black dress like I need a hole in my head. I could seriously open my own boutique. I will probably go back to get two casual dresses that I loved and two pairs of shoes. I will also end up buying a bag for my niece that I know she has her eye on. So at least I will pass on three of the seven things on hold. I really need a 12 step program for shopping, I thought I was doing better because I have been staying away from stores for a few weeks. Then I go shopping and buy just as much as I would have a little bit at a time. There was also a dress in the trunk I bought two weeks ago that I forgot to bring in the house. I'm terrible! And you wonder why I would never think you are crazy with boots. I'm right there with you sister only my vice is dresses!

OV, I hope Sapphie begins eating today. She has done the not eating thing in the past and been fine. I'm praying she is fine this time too.
I know you and Missy can relate to the shopping addiction. All three if us need help! The only good thing I can say is I have never spent more than we can afford. My husband would kill me if I ever crossed that line.

Jimmianne, I can't believe the hospital did that. Unbelievable! About a month after my mother in law died we recieved a letter that the hospital files had been hacked and her SS number had been released. I honestly didn't feel it was a big deal because she was dead. Boy was I wrong. We had rolled one of her accounts into ours. Fast forward 2 years and my husband and I had a nightmare on our hands.
He called one morning from oversees, where he was working, to tell me there was a problem and if we could not resolve it that day he was coming home immediately. We were part of that Russian scam that happened recently. They were setting things in motion to move our accounts. The FBI got involved and I don't even want to think of what could have happened. We were both wrecks until it was resolved and we knew our money was safe. I used to tease my husband for checking all our accounts on a daily basis. I will never tease him again. If he had not looked that morning who knows what they would have been able to steal. I had met my sister in laws for dinner that night and my SIL said someone had recently stolen $3,000 from their checking account so she knew why I was upset. I just looked at her and said its a little different. They were trying to sell our entire retirement fund. They told me to have a drink and if I felt like having more than one drink they would bring me home. They said I looked like a ghost when I walked in the door.

Junebug, I love the zircon and think it looks beautiful on you. You are the one who has to be happy and if your not, try selling it. I love the Emerald ring but as you said I have no idea how it will actually look in person. It is difficult with the antique rings because they don't always have the best stones. I'm thankfully that I don't need perfection to love a stone or ring. I'm on 1st dibs every week. We have every similar taste in jewelry. I love everything you pick out. That Emerald would really provide the finger coverage you are looking for. If you wear a lot of green if would be so stunning. I also love Emeralds with black clothing. If the OEC's are pretty stones can you image how blingy and gorgeous that will ring is? Please don't ever feel like you can't post all the pictures or talk thru you thoughts with us in anything. Which way are you leaning toward with the ring purchase? Are you still considering a yellow diamond? The problem I have is I love big stones. I'm also bad with the whole finger coverage thing. So everything I want is costly. I wish I could go back to my 25 year old self that only like smaller stones. I would have considered anything I love now to be gaudy in my younger years. When my niece was talking about her engagement ring I told her to go as large as she can afford because her tastes will change. I told her to think about her grandmother and I. We always wanted bigger as we aged.

Tourmaline, I hope you pop back in here when you have time. Believe we all know of busy life gets and we all get behind in here and just pick up where the thread is at. It was lovely to have you join us.

Kristie, Any updates????

 

[Calliecake]

Girls, Do any of you know where I can buy a younger looking set of hands?

 

[azstonie]

I'll buy younger looking hands too!!!!!

 

[azstonie]

Junebug:

http://www.palagems.com/php/db_search.php?action=gemdetail&inventory_number=22413

This is a tourmaline from one of the best gem dealers around, Pala Gems.

*If* you wanted a hardier stone with more sparkle to it than an emerald plus no inclusions, think along these lines. You could build a STUNNER of a ring using one of Pala's top-notch tourmaline and then buy some OECs from Erica to halo you up. It would be a hardy ring, not like an emerald ring. It would have plenty of green oommph to it and you won't be out $8k either. I would use 14 or 18k yellow gold, totally luxurious looking.

The way you buy from Pala Gems is you pick your jeweler and they buy the Pala gem. Talk to the jeweler about how much they want on top of Pala's charge to them. You could lobby for a flat fee or 5%.

Play around with Pala's gemstone search engine. You can't see prices because you aren't registered with them but your jeweler can.

Side Note: If I was in the chips now, I'd look into one of Pala's bi or tricolor tourms. They are amazing and you don't see them everywhere.

 

[Sunstorm]

Busy day my NIRDIs so back in a few to write more but I wanted to respond to you Junebug. I will not respond to anyone else yet or else I will mess up again not reading everyone's posts and confusing things. So now to you Junebug.

The zircon is a truly gorgeous ring as it is. It is an antique so you will have to wonder about wear and tear, you have to expect that most antiques have to be serviced several times a year when they are true antiques. That has been my experience and it can be annoying. I am mentioning this only as Kristie said I too as I mentioned before have a slight bias against zircon for the reasons mentioned above. It is brittle and I am not into the radioactivity part even if it is safe, ok this is personal only. That said if this was a paraiba, I would fall head over heels for it for sure.

Junebug you are like me, my favorite colors are the same as yours; all these teal, turquoise and acqua, green and yellow, orange-yellow. We are on the same page there, we have a similar taste.

I have to mention that you have amazingly gorgeous hands, I sure wish. I am not sure of your age but although my face has no lines my hands are truly crappy in my opinion. I am only 38 but have big knucles (sp?) and this winter took a toll on them as I never wear gloves and all the woodwork and heating work I did made them ugly. Anything will look great on your beautiful hands and slender, long fingers. Blue also looks stunning on you and the ring you got does look really nice on you but as far as style it may not be as nice as the zircon perhaps. Only you can know how much you love that ring, if not, then try putting it on PS second hand market and get something else.

I am crazy for emeralds, I am just not buying as the stones I like are crazily expensive. The color I like the most a bit more bluish than this stone, and has the oil drop look the best Colombians have. Unfortunately I have a very refined taste in emeralds and those cost a lot. No, inclusions are not important but some translucency is good. This emerald ring is quite nice but the ring itself is perhaps not as unique as the style of the zircon ring. I had a problem with lighting I think as first I thought this stone was more grass green and Zambian but now it looks more bluish and Colombian.

Now I shared some personal opinion with you here but you should not be influenced by that because honestly you have to make your own decisions and we are after all unique just like the rings you are considering.

My advise is the following to you in general and not necessarily about these rings; if you have a budget that allows several rings go for the emerald if you love that. I think you are unsure about the zircon and when in doubt do not. If you only want one ring that is tough, you can either chose to have one custom made; e.g., the same design as the zircon but replace the zircon with a different center, which could be anything you like; emerald, paraiba, yellow diamond, whatever, this is an option but of course I know it is difficult to do a custom project, when done right , it can be the most fulfilling as you get what you truly want.

Otherwise, you can keep searching too for the perfect ring, I think it rarely comes around in one package. I just got one I saw already made but it is not perfect either but I love it and what is perfect? There is nothing wrong with whatever you decide to do, whether you decide to keep hunting or going for something right now.

If you like an antique style, you may want to stick to that. Classic still mixes well with antique style jewelry too though. It depends a lot on your style. I personally mix classic with antique style but the latter wins. Mixing very modern is difficult with the former two categories. My concern always is that a very modern style will not stay in style and will never become the antiques of tomorrow like the Art Nouveau, Deco, Edwardian pieces did. Like who buys the modernist jewelry of the 50's? Almost no one, there is hardly any demand for it. But again these are my general insight into the matter and hopefully I did not make it harder for you, I hope we can somehow make it easier.

You think we are bored? Junebug we want you to share more with us and we love talking about gems and jewelry, we also want to just be here for you because we consider you a friend, I hope you know that.

More to everyone soon.

 

[azstonie]

Hey Callie: No, nothing yet.

If I haven't heard anything by Wednesday, I'm going to call for a progress report. If its not set and I don't get a total "Hey, no worries we got it covered it'll be set by Friday" I'll just have them return the stone.

I also have not heard back from Andrew which really chafes. I didn't call him with bad news, I just wanted something to reassure the jeweler. I know the jewelers who are young or nervous call the cutter if they feel it might help.

 

[azstonie]

Hi Junebug: Testing testing 1-2-3.

This is a 12-mm Pakistani peridot ring, portugese cut. 18k yg and silver.

 

[Sunstorm]

Kristie, we are also on the same page, are we surprised?) Now when it comes to tourmalines, watermelon, aw, I saw some truly amazing specimens here locally at gem shows, I find them really way too cool. The best paraibas? Better not even mention them. Their color is electrifying, nothing like I have seen before. My goldsmith used to tell me the same, buy green tourm and not emerald but I cannot help it, even with their inclusions and you know that I find inclusions really cool, I find emeralds to be more passionate and intriguing than green tourm, they are more fiery for sure and have such personalities. I tell you I do really like green tourm too but emeralds can be hardy, mine goes in the sonic every day and I have bumped my ring into many things before and this was a cheap, opaque, nevertheless very colorful emerald. I think the 24 K crown we set it in completely protects it, that must be it as many of my pieces worn on the hand have suffered in the past and no, do not normally soak yours in the sonic please just cuz I do. I almost did not want to say it but emeralds when not overly treated and set well can also withstand a lot, I wear my emerald ring every day. I want better emeralds though. This ring was one of my cheapest and most simple pieces and also one I get tons of compliments on.

 

[azstonie]

Just because I finally learned to get pics from my Kindle Fire over to PS, here is a pic of Miss Maggie with 1/4 of her "gems."

She does not share with Finn. Sharing is Less. Less is unacceptable; he can get his OWN toys

 

[azstonie]

LOL, Ovi we are ALWAYS on the same page!

A green tourm or a bi- or tri-color tourm would be a cool way for Junebug to get some gorgeous green on AND still have money left over for other pursuits, including THE BIG ONE!!!!

 

[azstonie]

UP for some Saturday bling?

This is an imperial malaya garnet from Barry Bridgestock/ACS. His famous supernoval oval. The setting is by Christina Williams/ModMetal, silver with peridot melee I had on hand from Rio.

 

[azstonie]

I'm trying to post pics together but I'm having no luck. Here is the second view.

 

[azstonie]

Junebug, regarding colored gemstones, I would always contact Barry Bridgestock/ACS first---what he has on his website is a FRACTION of his inventory. If you don't see it on the website, email him. He spends most of his time cutting and selling stones as opposed to taking pics of his several-decades' inventory.

I bought an amazing scissor cut golden beryl from him this way.

 

[Sunstorm]

Kristie and of course the malayas, I saw the best malaya in my life a bit over a year ago and I was IN LOVE. I did not even think I liked them before but that stone was stunning, I still dream of it sometimes.

That malaya ring is truly gorgeous.

That Maggie ROFL, she is living a very hard life I can tell. I am getting so tired now so will likely go to bed soon. Not sure why but it may again be the change the weather, by tomorrow we are supposed to start getting warmer weather, yeepee!

Talk to you all soon and have a wonderful Saturday.

 

[Calliecake]

Kristie, I see one of your pictures and get so excited I send an email. Then I scrool down and see another beautiful picture. Your colored stones are incredible. The color saturation is to die for. You could single handedly turn someone on to colored stones!

I love Maggie. You can send her and Finn to me anytime! My little baby has been acting like a little beast today! Maggie isn't the only one who doesn't like to share!

Junebug, Your hands are beautiful! Why do you think I was complaining about mine! I see yours and think mine look like they are a 110. I use lotion religiously and nothing helps them look better. Great hands and tiny thighs. Lucky girl!

OV, if you don't like your hands just look at your beautiful face and hair. No one gets to have everything! You are beautiful!

 

[Sunstorm]

ROFL, Callie thanks my dear friend, really, you must have meant my body hair.) I have tons of that but I am not so happy with my hair except the color I do like. I always get scared when I have to dye it as I never have. I am mostly ok with my face except, well, I have a real crooked curved and long nose and you know what I am fine with it but I would love better lashes.) You see the list goes on, none of us are content with ourselves completely. I too use lots of heavy duty creams, shea butter and lotion on my hands but I guess you have to be born with beautiful hands like Junebug has and then not use them for heavy duty work and not have skin problems. This is why I never publish modelling shots of my rings though I will send them privately to people but nothing public thank you. This does not stop me from wearing rings, however and it should not stop anyone. We love them, enjoy them and that is it. Junebug would make the perfect ring model though.

 

[canuk-gal]

Here is a pic of the infamous ring I bought that I'm not really in love with - I got enamored with the thought of a Tiffany ring, originally wanted a Soleste but the stone was similar to my sapphire, and I didn't want to pay tiffany prices, so I found a second hand Legacy from a private seller (came with papers, boxes, bags). Lovely ring but disappointed in finger coverage, totally my own fault, I knew it but talked myself into it - private seller, no returns - it's an aquamarine. I like it best stacked with 2 rings.



I think your ring is gorgeous--and looks fabu on your hand JuneBug!

cheers--Sharon

 

[azstonie]

Ovi, have you heard of Latisse? It's supposed to help eyelashes.

You never hear guys run themselves down, lol, I think we are hard on ourselves!!!! Say good things about yourself, its a better'diet' for your soul!

 

[azstonie]

Thank you, Callie! I like my diamond ring/left hand and color on my right or around my neck!

Let's get you with some color!

 

[marcy]

Hi NIRDIs!

I lost a really long post last night that I think I forgot to post. Rats. Now I am really behind.

Thank you all for being concerned about me yesterday. I think I still need a good cry because I am a little sappy, edgy today but I am doing okay. I made comfort food – homemade biscuits for breakfast and chocolate chip cookies later today.

Ovi, I hope you are having a good weekend. We probably had a glass of wine together last night. Thanks! I feel better. I think finalizing the estate is a big step for me and I am relieved to have that done. Sorry you aren’t in the best mood today; I hope things look better to you tomorrow. I am relieved your mom’s tests were good. That will be nice if she comes for another visit.

Kristie, I like your new avatars. I didn’t end up having Asti but I had some wine last night and at lunch today. The half-carat diamond looks like a very lively diamond. I like the setting it’s in too. I will have to remember your information about manicures and pedicures; I have a friend who is always broke but gets both of them all the time so maybe that will scare her off getting them done all the time. I have always painted my own nails. Now I am glad I did. I think you have a great idea to open our own ESTY shop to sell our previously thought we loved jewelry so save up for our next project. Pala gems look like they have very nice gems. I would like a bi-color gemstone. Maggie with her toys looks quite spoiled. Too cute she doesn’t want to share them with Finn. Your peridot and garnet are beautiful. Thanks for the heads up on ACS gems; can you post a picture of your golden beryl? I have wanted an EC golden or yellow beryl ring for probably a decade now.

Phanie, I am so sorry you had such a tough week. Thinking about spending the settlement money on bling will certainly keep you distracted sometimes from the pain. Your accident and aftermath sounds awful. I hope you feel better and stronger everyday.

Junebug, my nail polish rarely makes it through a day without chipping. Luckily Wyoming has such low humidity I can put 2 coats on and have my nails dry in about 10 minutes. I need to start painting my nails again. I have assorted shades of pinks and mauves I like. I guarantee you will have a few incidents with your siblings, I just braced myself and wasn’t going to take it. My dad started clearing out and giving away a lot of my mom’s stuff once it became apparent she was never coming home. I think it was therapy for him. A few months later he started asking people if they wanted this or that and he actually was putting masking tape on things with names on them. He also wrote a list up in a notebook that we found in his “bills” box. The top line says “Marcy is judge and has final say”. Marty kept telling me I should get a t-shirt made up that said that. I actually used to have a hard time going to the cemetery but now I kind of feel better after going there. I started being OCD about easy clean up in the kitchen after Marty made such a mess in the kitchen all the time. He’d made himself 4 pieces of toast for breakfast and then butter them over the countertop. I swear there were so many crumbs on the countertop I often wondered if he has any toast left and he had to shift 5 inches to the right with each piece of toast. Once I showed him the mess he left everyday he actually started buttering them over his plate. Progress. If I am doing anything I put down paper towels and then anything that spills over goes right in the trash. The aqua ring you bought is really pretty and the aqua is a great color. If you don’t love it maybe you can sell it or trade it to help pay for what ring you decide to buy?

Callie, it sounds like you found some great stuff when you were shopping. I don’t see anything wrong with wearing a dress you already have to your weddings and showers. Thanks for the hugs. Yes, I am okay today. That is too bad your SIL’s don’t want your brothers to have a good relationship. Family is pretty important but some people don’t see that or believe it I guess. I wish my sisters would get along but I think there is too much resentment on both sides. I guess I am too busy and forgetful to hold grudges so I don’t worry about something silly they sad or did years ago. Life is too short. I haven’t approached Marty yet about working more for diamond money. For some reason I think I’ll quit while I am ahead on that one. Ha Ha. Sorry to hear your husband might be traveling again. Hopefully his travel can be worked around the weddings. I am glad the dog was recused after falling through the ice but I ate to hear those stubborn guys continued ice fishing. If people want to risk their own life that is their business but if they fall through the ice other people risk their lives to save them. Okay, I’ll get off my soapbox now. That is very scary that someone was about to move all of your money out of your account. I am so glad you husband caught it. I check our account every day and credit cards pretty frequently. Too many places have been hacked these days.

Missy, rain is far better than snow. We had an alert today for wild fires. I guess it was warm, windy and very low humidity. I hate to hear that starting in March. I hate to hear you were up very late last night and that your skin is demanding your attention. I hope things got better as the day went by. Hugs to you. I do feel both relieved and sad today. Last night I looked at some pictures and it was more sentimental than heart wrenching. I know there will always be sad days and things will get easier to deal with as time goes by. Tell Greg I am always anxious to get dishes done as quickly as possible so anything I can do to cut my cleaning time is worth it. That’s great Greg will cook and do dishes. Marty cooks but I crack before he does on dishes; he’ll let them set for hours then do them. I’d rather get them done so I can move on to more fun things like the NIRDI thread. Yes, you are very lucky with Greg.

Jimmianne, I am fine today; thank you for asking. I know exactly what you mean about finishing the estate means the end of contact with them. It’s kind of like the last thing I can do for them. My parents like yours would want us to be happy and live our lives to the fullest. That is kind of crazy AT&T won’t just send you a refund for $11. You think they’d want to clear it off their books. I hate to hear the hospital was negligent with your mom. Your response on the bill was perfect though.

Sharon, I can’t see a picture of your aqua ring. That’s too bad you decided you didn’t get what you wanted with it. I hate when I buy something and wear it a few times then never pull it out again.

Tourmaline, I hope you stop by and visit some times.

We went to Olive Garden for lunch today and other than that just hung around the house. I washed all the sheets and blankets in our guest bedrooms in case Marty’s sister decides to run up here from next week. She’ll be in Denver for work.

I might have to hint more strongly I want to go to Denver myself and look at sapphires and emerald cut diamonds. Of course all of your discussions about emeralds and bicolor tourmaline makes me want one of those too.

Take care.
Marcy

 

[Calliecake]

Marcy, I'm so sorry you have been having a hard time the past few days. You can tell how much your dad loved and trusted you just by his comment. It also sounds like he had a wonderful sense of humor. Now I know where yours comes from. I hope your sisters know how lucky they are to have you in their life. My husband felt very much the way you are feeling after he settled everything was his parents estate. I hope you know we are all here for you anytime you need to talk or just want to share stories about your parents. They truly sounded like wonderful people. I loved how your mom helped friends of you and your sisters who didn't have very happy home lives. That type of kindness stays with a person forever and what a wonderful gift for your mom to give them at a time when they really needed kindness. I hope you begin to feel better in the coming days.
Hugs

 

[marcy]

Thank you Callie. Your words really moved me and mean a lot to me. I am definitely a lot like my dad. They were good people and I don't say that just because they were my parents. We even had local businesses send flowers to their funerals; they had friends every where. I know your husband went through the same things I am going through; I am sorry he had to deal with these things too but it's a good feeling to know we finished taking care of things for our parents. I know I will feel better every day. Thank you for caring and helping me through my sadness.

 

[junebug17]

hey there everyone!

Calliecake, wow, the situation with your account must have been such an overwhelmingly stressful experience! Thank goodness it was resolved but how scary to go through that. Yep, I like large stones too! The problem is a large diamond is beyond my budget - so I'm starting to switch gears a little and think about a gemstone ring - I can get a larger look and stay in budget. I love gemstones and like to change them depending on what I'm wearing. But I haven't ruled out a yellow diamond ring either. So needless to say I'm not sure what I want to do haha! Thanks for commenting on my ring - I might sell it, but it's pretty and I do wear it so I'll see. When I got engaged 30 years ago I told my then boyfriend that I wanted a small diamond because I didn't want to be gaudy - now that is funny, isn't it? My ring was .33 carats and I loved it. I'm sure my husband wishes I'd go back to my 23 year old self

Kristie, that tourmaline is gorgeous! It's a great size too, so maybe I would just stick with a simple halo design. A tourm would be a good way to get a beautiful green stone and not eat up all of the bling budget. Oh boy, I absolutely love your peridot, beautiful color! And your malaya garnet is glorious, I would love to have a ring with a stone that color. Thanks for the pics, both are stunning And thanks for the tip on Barry Bridgestock, I have heard of him through my lurking over in the CS forum. I do love gemstones, and would love to have a green or pink stone, so putting together a colored stone ring is definitely an option. thanks for all your input!

And omg, Maggie is SO cute! My daughter was over tonight and she said she thought the Little Cesar dog was really cute, and I said wait, you haven't seen anything yet and I showed her the pic of Maggie. We were both !!

Ovi, Thank you for your comments and your help! I do love antique/vintage styles but also like simple designs like Harry Winston style halos or slightly more modern designs, so I'm not against going for something a bit more contemporary. I love antiques but I agree that they sometimes show some wear and tear, and need to be checked. Ultra modern probably wouldn't be a good match for me though. I know what you mean about wanting a high quality, exceptional emerald, I have seen pics of them and they are so gorgeous…and costly! I would love a large yellow diamond but it is not in the budget, and that's why I was thinking of a smaller diamond in a double halo. Which still appeals to me! I appreciate your comments about the emerald ring, I'm sure I'm taking a bit of a risk on it, who knows what treatments it has had etc. but it's hard to find out those things with a vintage piece like this. As long as you don't mind, I will continue to share my thoughts! I'm beginning to think I'm making too big a deal over this, I should just choose something so I have time to enjoy it haha!

Thanks for the nice words about my hands, but seriously, they are pretty old looking! I'm 54 and I have big knuckles, veins, and wrinkles, yikes. I must have posted the most flattering pics lol. Oh well, life goes on and at this point I guess it doesn't really matter!

Sharon, thank you for taking the time to comment about my ring! I do love the Legacy, it is beautiful and I like having such an iconic ring, but I wish I had held out for one with a bigger stone for a bit more finger coverage. Your compliment made my night, thanks

Marcy, I'm glad you're starting to feel a bit better, this week was a very emotional one for you and I hope you are feeling even better soon. Your parents do sound like they were truly wonderful people. I know you are still feeling some sadness, so please know we are here for you whenever you need to share your feelings. Be good to yourself, and pamper yourself a little in the next few days. I laughed at your description of Marty in the kitchen! Dh can make a real mess too, I'm not sure how he manages it sometimes. I like mauves and pinks too - I tried finding some different colors the other day but most of them were a little too wild for me haha! Lots of bright reds, blues, and greens - they look great on other people, but I think I'm better off sticking with more neutral colors.

Hope you all had a good evening!