Indulge Holidays 2016

A Gem of a Luxury

2 min read

By JOSELYN KING

Staff Writer

There are days when a woman just wants to put on her jewels and be like Cinderella going to the ball in a pumpkin carriage.

The new Enchanted Disney line of fine jewelery available at Howard's Diamond Center at The Highlands seizes upon this fantasy, providing the opportunity for a woman to have her very own Cinderella engagement ring-- with the bridge holding the diamond in the shape of that pumpkin carriage.

Prices for the Enchanted Disney rings at Howard's range from $3,800 to $5,000, according to Manager Franni Schiffer.

And if a woman wants the matching "Cinderella's carriage" blue topaz necklace, it can be purchased for about $1,450.

Schiffer said customers seeking to spend top dollar on a fine jewelry piece typically are looking for a one-of-a-kind piece. A 4.5-carat diamond ring -- valued at about $23,000 -- fits that bill.

Other times, the fine jewelry afficiando wants color, and maybe something bold, she said.

"They're looking for natural gemstones, and something that's non-reproducable," Schiffer said.

In the case is a large, bright blue "boulder opal" with irridescent fire that's available for $4,800.

"It's one of a kind -- it's a rock," she said. "It's kind of cool."

Or maybe butterflies interest the customer. Howard's has butterfly necklaces adorned with colored saphires and diamonds ranging from $1,500 to $4,000.

Those shopping on a specific budget might gravitate toward necklaces and earrings with actual amber stones hailing from Lithuania. Priced at $50 to $200, there might even be a prehistoric insect forever fossilized within one of these stones.

A popular choice for jewelry gifts this season are items featuring morganite -- a pale, flesh-colored stone.

"It's very lady-like," Schiffer said.

And luxury pieces can be affordable as well. Alex and Ani bracelets available at Howard's are priced from $28 to $58, and offer a modern take on the traditional charm bracelet. A charm is affixed to a wire bangle, with these bangles then stacked on the arm or worn separately.

Starting at /week.