Night of Hope

By Brianne Harrison

I’ll admit—I’m girly, and I like pretty, sparkly things. And I really like having a chance to save a bit of money on those sparkly things while also contributing to a good cause, but how often do you get the chance to do that? Well, on February 11, Yanina & Co. in Cedar Grove is giving you just that chance at its Night of Hope Event.

From 6 to 8 p.m., attendees can enjoy exclusive discounts on all Yanina & Co. jewelry, as well as delicious hors d’oeuvres by Lu Nello Restaurant and chances to win fabulous prizes, including art deco-inspired diamond earrings, Oved diamond studs, a Swiss-made Louis Erard men’s watch, and a one-year membership to the Park Avenue Club. All proceeds from the night will benefit the Valerie Fund of Saint Barnabas Hospital, which offers comprehensive health services for children with cancer and blood disorders.

Need an extra incentive? The first 25 women who walk through the door will receive a free pair of the pearl and diamond earrings pictured above, valued at $350. That’s right—free jewelry! What’s not to love?

RSVP by calling 973.857.5544.

Finders Keepers

By Brianne Harrison

Talk about a treasure hunt! Starting today, Devon Fine Jewelry will be giving away 30 pieces of jewelry worth more than $25,000 to thank Northern Bergen County for its support over the past 30 years.

Some companies are content to celebrate 30 years with a cake and perhaps a party for some favored clients, but Devon’s owner, Nancy Schuring, decided to take it a bit further. She placed 30 pieces of jewelry (one for each year Devon’s been in business) in Devon shopping bags with “Finders Keepers” tags on them. The bags have been left all over Devon’s home town of Wyckoff and the areas surrounding it.

“Everybody loves surprises and getting gifts! With our Finders Keepers Event, we’re putting the two together,” Schuring says. “It's been a fantastic 30 years in business and we appreciate the loyalty of Wyckoff and the surrounding communities. We wanted to express our gratitude by giving back in a unique way.”

The bags contain a wide variety of jewelry, from white and yellow gold rings to pendants, bracelets, an d even some diamond necklaces! The pieces’ worth ranges from a few hundred dollars up to $3000 for a platinum sapphire and diamond ring. All Schuring asks in return is that finders share the story of where and how they discovered their bags.

The bags may be found anywhere, from grocery stores and shopping malls to libraries and beauty salons, so keep your eyes peeled!

A Not-So-Guilty Pleasure

By Brianne Harrison

Shopping for luxury items, especially in these difficult economic times, is usually thought of as a guilty pleasure. But what if you could buy something beautiful and help make the world a better place at the same time?

That’s the mission of Ruff&Cut, a company that produces exquisite jewelry that features uncut diamonds exclusively from conflict-free areas. Ruff&Cut also donates 10% of every sale and a share of its profits to training, educational, and other programs in Africa. These programs help improve the lives of those who live there and who have been affected by the blood diamond trade and civil ware in Sierra Leone.

To give New Jerseyans a chance to see some of Ruff&Cut’s beautiful offerings, Devon Fine Jewelry in Wyckoff is hosting an exclusive showcase of some of the company’s latest designs. On March 26 and 27, customers can view such pieces as the Solitare Mediallion Pendant, Avens Earrings, and the Candor Ring. A portion of the money from each sale during the showcase will go toward the Devon Foundation, a nonprofit Devon Fine Jewelry founded to train the people of Madagascar in the art of cutting gemstones. So go ahead, treat yourself. You’ll feel better for it.

Fashion Forward: Fashionably Frugal Jewelry

By Leigh Boriskin

With original pieces that resemble vintage finds in rose gold, matte metals and antique silver, AllisonDanielDesigns.com is an accessory haven. Her rings and earrings are spectacularly romantic. Her necklaces look like they have been pulled straight from your grandmother's jewelry box and her belts are handcrafted works of art. Although some of her pieces top out at $300 to $400, most are happily under $100.

The Jazzy Rose Ring ($48) is as bold as it is beautiful. Finished in either matte gold, antique gold or antique silver, its intricate detailing and strong presence will make your lucky finger pop. For your next night out, why not design a ring for your outfit? The Swirly Ring ($68) can be fitted with any stone including ruby, topaz or garnet. Finished in either matte gold, antique gold or antique silver, this ring is a knockout. The striking black background of the Black Enamel Cuff ($60) makes a high-contrast statement of beauty and elegance. Paired with a few gold bangles, ($45 each) and your wrist will be jingling in style.

Allison Daniel Designs is sold at Elle Squared, 1140 Town Center Way, Livingston, 973.533.1111

Friday Finds: Rockhounds' Delight

By Kathy Shaskan

If you were the type of kid who loved finding interesting rocks, fossils, and other mineralogical goodies, head over to Tomorrow's Heirlooms in Princeton and feast your eyes. It's part jewelry store, part rock museum; and it's presided over by a passionate collector who scored his first major fossil find at age 14 - a certified dionosaur hipbone! Samples of his jewelry creations are above, clockwise from left: fossilized coral pendant, Owyhee picture-jasper earrings, and two examples of plum jasper pendants.