Tag: jewelry

DIY: Two Button Statement Earrings

Hello everyone! I found this fabulous DIY project for “two button statement earrings.” Looks to be a fun and creative project and definitely appeals to my thrifty side. I can see myself wearing these to a holiday party for sure. I’m going to a few thrift shops this weekend so will keep you posted if I find some sparkly materials to make my earrings. Cheers and Happy Tuesday!

IT’S STATEMENT EARRING TIME!!!! No seriously… it’s time! The holiday’s are around the corner and it’s time to start updating our jewelry collections with a few gorgeous sparklers for the season. Using the same technique as my DIY button ring tutorial, here’s an easy breezy project to help you bring a little bling to those earrings!

Materials: 4 Buttons, 4 Earring Findings With Post and Hoop, Jump Rings, Earring Backings

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Pawn Shops! Economic Barometer?

Hello Everyone! Earlier this week I had the pleasure of going on a “pawn shop” trip in San Diego’s North Park area.  It just so happens I had a birthday earlier this week too– so I was in search of an opal ring– my birth stone.

How do pawn shops work?  A pawn shop gives customers a place to sell their personal items for cash. The  pawn broker looks the item over and determines how much money he can obtain for it.  He then makes a lower offer to the customer. The pawn broker makes money when he  sells the item at a higher price.  (I have a feeling the pawn broker made some money off me…)

Read more:  How Do Pawn Shops Work? | eHow.com

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Pictured above is the opal ring I found at CashCo Jewelry & Loan for $90.  Lucky for me the jewelry was 30% off the day I was there.  This was my first serious trip to a pawn shop. I was surprised at the fantastic quality goods I found.  Since I’m still in search of diamond earrings– looks like I’ll be cruising by the pawn shops when I’m ready to buy those.

Which brings me to my next question– pawn shops as economic barometers?  Why is the pawn industry generating so much buzz as a “barometer of  the economy”? Reports show the three publicly traded pawn  companies reported significantly increased earnings during the last two  fiscal quarters. An increase in gold value and the “Cash for  Gold” craze have both shown record numbers of people trading in old jewelry  and coins for cash. Perhaps the perception could be based on speculation  that in hard times, people pawn. However, there is a larger, more  compelling story about the pawn industry.

The National Pawnbrokers Association reports there are over 30 million pawn store customers per year and they appreciate this unique form of credit and tend to borrow only what they need, as evidenced by the relatively low national average loan amount of $80. NPA President and pawn shop owner Dave Crume says, “Pawn customers repay their loans and redeem their collateral at a correspondingly high average national redemption rate of 80 percent. These parameters appear to be holding constant, despite the current economy.”

  • CashCo Jewelry & Loan #1
  • 4502 University Avenue #103
  • San Diego, CA  92105
  • Web: www.cashcopawn.com

I’m not sure what to make of all this, but I’m really glad I stopped by CashCo last Monday and found my lovely opal ring. I’m pretty sure it was “pre-owned” and that is fine.  (Now if I could just find some “pre-owned” diamond earrings….)

Under-consumption is more in-style than ever, right??!  (why buy new?)

Cheers!

 

Kay Jewelers…

Tonite I found myself doing a little light window shopping in Kay Jewelers at Westfield UTC. Anyone who knows me well is aware how much I love jewelry. With my whole downsizing mentality lately I’ve tried hard to adopt the “look away from the jewelry” rule as much as possible. But sometimes… ya gotta do more than look away! (At least I do anyway.) I went on a little recon shopping trip as a favor to someone I know last night. Most difficult recon trip ever!! Kay Jewelers is filled with amazing sparklers and it was all I could do to ask questions, gather my intelligence and escape. I figured you all would want to see some of the fabulous sparklers I found. In case anyone is wondering I managed to keep my Visa card under wraps!

14K White Gold 1/3 Carat t.w. Diamond Solitaire Earrings 14K White Cold 1/3 Carat total weight Diamond Solitaire Earrings $299 (excellent deal)

Sterling Silver ¼ Carat t.w. Black Diamond Hoop EarringsSterling Silver 1/4 Carat Black Diamond Hoop Earrings $199 (cute & fun to wear!)

Sterling Silver Cable ChainSterling Silver Cable Chain $29.99 (great find- this is something I’m getting for me!)

Charmed Memories® Ruby Red Frost Murano Glass CharmRuby Red Frost Murano Glass Bead $29.99 (I love these Murano glass beads!)

Charmed Memories® Sterling Silver Lady Bug CharmSterling Silver Lady Bug Charm $39.99 (Lady Bugs are my fave!)

Sterling Silver Diamond Double Heart Key NecklaceSterling Silver Diamond Double Heart Key Necklace $79.99 (I keep looking at this…)

I tried to keep this semi cost-effective. There are so many cute things right now it was hard to choose! I’m definitely going back for the chain necklace tomorrow. Happy Shopping!