Winter Flowers

Is there anything more beautiful than flowers in winter? Here’s a pretty ring from Stuller to spark joy in a certain person’s heart—or maybe yours?—at this time and, really, in any season.

https://www.stuller.com/products/57724/18745652/?groupId=209263&recommendationSource=Brochure9190&inStockOnly=true

 

The ring is featured here in white gold, and is also available in gold (which is called “yellow gold” in Jewelry-Land) and rose gold, along with platinum and sterling.

 

Call us today at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244) and it’ll be on your doorstep in time for the holiday. But don’t delay, honey. The holiday is a week from tomorrow.

 

“What?”

 

Yes, indeed. So give us a call—oh, that must be you now. Hello! 

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Holidays, simplified. 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

 

Pictures Are A Wonderful Thing, or All Is Not Lost, Part Three

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

I saw your story about recreating lost jewelry, and I am here today to tell you that you are wrong. My late jeweler, who is now designing for the stars in the sky, drew the engagement ring for my now-fiancée, and then created it in three different kinds of gold. When I lost my jeweler, we also lost that ring—forever. My friend also lost a tree pendant that had been created in rose gold. It, too, was unique.

 

So while I’m sure you’re very good at what you do, you cannot recreate jewelry like the pieces I described. Admit it.

 

Signed, 

 

Bereft in North Dakota

 

Dear BIND:

 

First of all, please accept my condolences on the loss of a treasured person in your life. It sounds as though you may have worked with a metalsmith*. That is a great thing. Metalsmiths are wonderful. No doubt about it. We have metalsmiths on our team, and we have enormous respect for their gifts.

 

That said, when it comes to jewelry that is purely metalwork, for example a design in gold or silver, unless you have/had the ability to travel back in time to work with Michelangelo directly**, chances are, your original jeweler based his/her design on a drawing (from something s/he saw or imagined), which can be recreated—once you provide us with either a photograph or a sketch. (We are also jewelers. We draw. We work from drawings. And we have imagination, too.)

 

So don’t despair! Call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), and that ring will soon be back on her finger. And about that tree? We can make that, too. (We love trees. We have seen many a beautiful tree, and drawn or taken pictures of lots of them. Happy to recreate your tree, and did you know we also have some wonderful trees in our collection of finished jewelry?)

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Making the impossible happen, on a regular basis.

 

*People who create jewelry (and other things) in gold, platinum, silver, bronze, and other metals are called metalsmiths. Again, we hold the ones on our team and the others who practice this art in high esteem. They are amazing.

 

**Even then. They usually worked from drawings. Also: you have mastered time travel? We are all ears! (Well, hands, too—while listening to you is the most important part of the work we do, designing by ear alone is beyond us. We admit it.)

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

Can it Be?

Chanukah already?  Yes, indeed.  Enjoy this story from our archives, and give us a call at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244) so we can find something wonderful for all the jewelry-lovers on your list.

http://myjewelrydoctor.blogspot.com/2017/12/the-perfect-gift-times-eight-or-hark.html 

What Savvy Shoppers Know

So it’s the day after Thanksgiving and you’re tempted to go shopping, but you wonder if those deals really are all they’re cracked up to be. The answer? Yes and no. Have a look at this story from our archives before you head out the door. If you’re shopping online, send a link to your Jewelry Doctor or call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), and we’ll put our heads together about whether it’s really the best option for you and yours.  

http://myjewelrydoctor.blogspot.com/2012/11/white-turquoise-or-whats-big-deal-really.html

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Helping you make better jewelry choices on Black Friday—and every other day, too.

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.  

Pictures Are A Wonderful Thing, or All Is Not Lost, Part Two

A while back we were talking about the importance of taking pictures of your favorite jewelry. This is helpful for insurance purposes, of course. It can also help when, as sometimes happens—and here we pause to shed a tear*—a favorite piece of jewelry has gone missing.

 

“Help? How? It’s gone forever.”

 

Not necessarily.

 

“You’re going to find it?”

 

Sometimes. That is, sometimes a missing piece of jewelry, while it has personal meaning, was not the only one of its kind that was made. The designer may well have made many of the same necklaces or earrings.

 

“Why would she do that?”

Here we pull back the curtain. Jewelry designers do not, in general, cut gemstones, drill holes in stone or other materials to make beads, or make a setting for a stone only once. (The Jewelry Doctor likes to remind people, ‘Ralph Lauren doesn’t make the fabric. He designs with it.’) They have sources for materials, and they either work with standard settings or make customized settings based on standard ones.

 

You can understand this quickly if you think about what happens in your favorite restaurant. While that dish you love is something you look forward to ordering again and again, it is only available again and again because, well, they make a lot of it. Because other people also love it.** The cooks do not make every item from scratch every time, even in those restaurants with prices in the stratosphere. If they tried to do that, they would go out of business in a New York minute.  

 

So: The person (or team of people) who made your favorite piece of jewelry bought gemstones or beads and maybe settings and made a number of, if not the same, then very similar pieces of jewelry. Maybe there was a trend at the time, and they noticed that design was all the rage and so they made jewelry in that style.

 

Which means your Jewelry Doctor may be able to find that necklace or bracelet or those earrings for you. If she can’t, she may well be able to reconstruct the jewelry for you. And that’s where your photographs of you wearing the jewelry come in.

 

“But I don’t have a photograph!”

 

That’s fine. Make a rough drawing. Not to worry; nobody is expecting it to hang in a museum. Just see if you can draw the basic shape, and give your Jewelry Doctor all the information you can: the stones used, if you remember what they were (most people do—“It was my lapis necklace!”), the approximate length. If the lost jewelry was a pair of beloved earrings, tell the Jewelry Doctor the approximate length of the earring, the components you remember, and whether they were on wires or posts.

 

Now, your Jewelry Doctor would be remiss if she didn’t take this opportunity to suggest how to avoid losing jewelry (aside from putting it next to your plate in the restaurant when you got up to dance; she can’t help you there***). Make sure your necklaces have lobster clasps or other secure clasps.  If you must buy a necklace with a barrel (screw) clasp, get thee to your Jewelry Doctor afterward to replace it; those clasps are a recipe for a lost necklace. Ditto, hook-and-eye and many a toggle fastening. As to earrings, if you like wires ask your Jewelry Doctor for “ear stops,” which slip on the wire to prevent it from slipping off, and there are a number of solutions for keeping post earrings on your ears, too.

 

If the jewelry in question is a ring with a stone that has wandered off, we can replace that for you—and this story from our archives will help you avoid losing stones in the future.

https://myjewelrydoctor.blogspot.com/2014/04/building-your-jewelry-wardrobe-lets.html

 

So call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), and soon it will be “Happy Ever After.”

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. For people who love their jewelry. 

 

*Truly. Your Jewelry Doctor, prior to her entry into the world of design and restoration, once spent in the neighborhood of 45 minutes on her knees outside the Fontainebleau Hotel, looking for a lost earring she can still see in her mind’s eye, and she is about to recreate it.

 

**This does not mean you are not unique. Honey, we thought that was obvious.

 

***”How did you know about the restaurant?”

 

Don’t you remember? I am a doctor. We know everything.

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

In Which You Are Once Again The Hero

 “It can’t be!” says the person who most would see as a fine, stand-up individual, the one who, even during the tail end of a less-than-fun event in our lives, has managed to remember birthdays, anniversaries, you-name-it.

 

But it is.

 

“Is what?” says the person, also fine and upstanding, but one who has been, well, like many of us, marveling at the first person and others who have sailed around the world (staying onboard, solo, with provisions, so as not to contract you-know-what) or written a bestseller or found the love of their lives or shown a certain someone the door or—well, you can fill in the blank.

 

Mother’s Day. Sunday.  

 

Now for the good news: Your friendly neighborhood* Jewelry Doctor has all kinds of wonderful gifts for the mom in your life (and her mom, too). 

 

“It’ll never get to her in time!”

 

Not to worry, honey. When your mom called recently we discussed everything and she, of course, understands. So we have a lovely little insert you may include with your card** that will magically extend Mother’s Day for your mom or Nana until the gift actually arrives on her doorstep.

 

Now all you need to do is call the doctor—the Jewelry Doctor, that is—at 415/796-5969 (text 415/596-4244). 

 

Oh, and honey? Do it now.

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Making special occasions even more so.

 

*If you can read this, we’re in the neighborhood.

**Greeting card, not business card. But you knew that.

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

 

Pandemic (and Post-Pandemic) Mommy

Okay, giving birth was harder. We grant that. And Mommy is probably vaccinated by now. So, depending on her vintage, she may well be painting the town red (and will happily explain that expression to you, if you ask).  

 

Still, can you imagine being a mother during the pandemic? What’s that? You yourself are a mother? The Jewelry Doctor stands in awe, hoping you can hear her applause. (She is not joking. You are impressive.)

 

Now where were we? Oh, yes. We were thinking about a certain holiday coming up May 9, which mothers know is this very Sunday. (Mothers also could tell you your birthday—well, you always remember that—and your anniversary, as well as your siblings’ and cousins’ birthdays and anniversaries. She also remembers what you wore to that party even though she begged you not to, but she keeps her mouth shut. [She has read Deborah Tannen.])

 

So, beloved sons and daughters, let us get with the program. Stuller has lots of lovely Mother’s Day gifts (which can be enjoyed year-round). Here are a couple items that caught our eye. 

 

Check out these bar earrings.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/87603/?groupId=206815&categoryId=28284&inStockOnly=true&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

And a beautiful pearl pendant—with a bow!  

https://www.stuller.com/products/87602/17696969/?groupId=206814&categoryId=28284&inStockOnly=true&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

Hard to choose between these? You could always combine them.

https://www.stuller.com/products/6527/?groupId=206318&categoryId=28284&inStockOnly=true&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

If your mom prefers handcrafted jewelry, she’ll love the Laynie Tzena collection of pendants, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings featuring gemstones, Venetian glass, porcelain, and Swarovski crystal). Just write to us here or mention it when you call, and we’ll be happy to send images your way.  

 

Special note to moms reading this: Of course we can provide gift ideas that you can discreetly mention to those who want to honor you on your special day but are not sure what you would like.  

 

“I’m on it! What’s that number again?”

 

Glad you asked! The Jewelry Doctor is here for all your Mother’s Day (and any other) jewelry needs. Call us at 415/796-3969, or text 415/596-4244.  

 

Oh, there’s the phone. Hope it’s you!

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Life isn’t always pretty. But pretty things can help.

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

It's That Time Again

Ahoy, all ye Kings and Queens of the Last Minute. The clock on the wall says that in just two days it will be Valentine’s Day.

“Oh, no!”

 

Oh, yes.

 

So now what?  

 

Now we turn to handcrafted jewelry. As in: The Laynie Tzena Collection of pendants, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in porcelain, Venetian glass, Swarovski crystal, and gemstones. We’ve got a great selection of beautiful jewelry—not an unlimited one, though, so you might want to step on it.

 

So call us now at 415/796-3969 and we will put our heads together about the perfect gift for your Valentine, and send it to you overnight. If you’re in the Bay Area, you can pick up your gift tomorrow or even Sunday morning. 

 

Act now, and all can still be happy ever after.

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Saving the day, one holiday at a time. 

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

  

One Step Ahead (And Just In Time)

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

My girlfriend prides herself on being different. She’s aware of the trends, all right, but she’s always on the lookout for something everybody else isn’t wearing. Any ideas for jewelry that says “Valentine’s Day,” but maybe puts a different spin on the usual themes?

 

Dennis, Stumped In New York

 

Dear DESTINY:

 

Welcome! You’ll find ideas galore in the recent stories here for Valentine’s Day, and here are even more fresh ideas for your sweetheart.

 

Try this Mozambique garnet-diamond pendant.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/87497/?groupId=206606&categoryId=28080&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

Or this updated heart on a chain.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/87439/?groupId=206157&categoryId=28080&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

How about a heart bracelet dotted with amethyst?  

https://www.stuller.com/products/brc746/?groupId=114968&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

This bracelet says, “Two hearts are better than one.”

https://www.stuller.com/products/652690/?groupId=196224&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Here’s an eye-catching pendant featuring diamonds set in rose gold.  https://www.stuller.com/products/87473/?groupId=206338&categoryId=28080&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

With earrings to match, natch.

https://www.stuller.com/products/87472/?groupId=206336&categoryId=28080&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

And while we’ve all seen that charm bracelet with the heart toggle (not that there’s anything wrong with that), how about one with hearts top to bottom? 

https://www.stuller.com/products/ch839/?groupId=85230&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Or one that fastens with a heart?

https://www.stuller.com/products/ch851/?groupId=85187&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

This bracelet holds a tiny key.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/brc799/?groupId=206642&categoryId=28080&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

And last, but not least, here’s an earring she won’t see coming and going—a hoop in the shape of a heart.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/87040/?groupId=202346&categoryId=28080&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse

 

So many choices! And, if you call us circa immediately at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), just in the nick of time, too.

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Think of us as Cupid’s Concierge.

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

 

  

The Art of Keeping the Peace

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor: 

My wife passed away a couple years ago, and Valentine’s Day still breaks my heart. But I want to get something for my little girls. 

Here’s the challenge: they’re so competitive! Whenever I give them gifts I have to make sure that neither daughter thinks the other one got something better than she did.  

 

What to do?

 

Daughters and Drama

 

Dear DAD:

How little is “little”?  If they’re five or six years old, this necklace might be a great choice. https://www.stuller.com/products/19643/?groupId=60567&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

But say they object to dressing alike in any way. In that case, I’d suggest focusing on the important parts of each daughter’s world.  

 

Maybe one likes to ride horses (or just read stories about them). She would probably love this pendant.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/85110/3194317/?groupId=109787&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Her sister’s a beachcomber? Try this for her. 

https://www.stuller.com/products/87641/?groupId=207465&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

If one likes white gold and the other, yellow gold, these hoops would make great gifts for the two of them.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/19100/?groupId=9605&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

And there are lots of other great choices. So call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), and let’s put our heads together about what they would most enjoy.

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Consider us Harmony Headquarters.

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena.  All Rights Reserved.

   

Valentine's Day - Xmas = ?

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

What do you say to those of us who just gave our sweethearts jewelry in December?  Do we get a pass at Valentine’s Day?

 

Fresh Out of Ideas in Denver

 

Dear FROID:

 

You’re going to make the Jewelry Doctor quote her late mother: “What do you want me to say?”

 

Yes, certainly, you don’t need to do anything at all at Valentine’s Day. Nothing. Nada. Why on Earth would you? Just forget about it.

 

Then duck.

 

(The Jewelry Doctor looks for her soapbox. Ah, there it is.)

 

Listen up, Sugar: Gifts are not charitable contributions where you give once and that’s enough. (Well, you may have noticed charities don’t even behave that way anymore. Something about expenses.)

 

But the Jewelry Doctor loves you anyway, and wanting to be generous (there’s a concept), she thinks that perhaps you might be, shall we say, a little over-extended.

 

Not to worry. Let us talk about sterling silver jewelry. It’s wonderful, and also affordable.  

 

Consider, for example, this lovely necklace.

https://www.stuller.com/products/86742/17152677/?groupId=198111&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Which also comes in a slightly larger size.

https://www.stuller.com/products/86742/13484654/?groupId=198111&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

These earrings are wonderful. 

https://www.stuller.com/products/86447/12370061/?groupId=193375&searchTerm=86447&recommendationSource=SearchRedirect

 

And so are these.

https://www.stuller.com/products/r17027/14941707/?groupId=200187&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

And these.

https://www.stuller.com/products/86328/18168962/?groupId=192324&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

And also these.

https://www.stuller.com/products/86700/13326748/?groupId=197494&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

All of which will most likely fit very nicely in your budget—honey, they’re less expensive than that wine you were thinking about*. So call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), and we’ll come up with something perfect so you don’t have to go into hiding or anything.

 

Knowing you can do this,

 

The San Francisco Jewelry Doctor

 

*“How did you know about the wine?”

 

Honey, remember, I am a doctor. We know everything.

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.  

Rose for Your Favorite Redhead

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

My gal has gorgeous red hair. She’s been leaning toward rose gold lately. Any Valentine’s Day jewelry in rose gold?

 

Thanks,

 

Boring Brown-haired Boyfriend

 

Dear B³:

 

The Jewelry Doctor is going to skip right over the silly notion that you could possibly be boring and go directly to recommending this lovely necklace for your one-and-only.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/87276/17542648/?groupId=206140&recommendationSource=Brochure9076

 

She might also like this rose gold diamond heart necklace.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/86335/?groupId=192742&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Which has coordinating earrings, and a companion ring, too.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/86336/12146426/?groupId=192781&recommendationSource=productpage&recommendationType=crosssell&recommendationId=12146417

 

https://www.stuller.com/products/122822/12146368/?groupId=192746&recommendationSource=productpage&recommendationType=crosssell&recommendationId=12146417

 

This diamond heart necklace is a beauty. It’s available in 9.7 x 8.5mm (about 1/3 inch by 1/3 inch) all the way up to 28.2 x 25mm (three times that size—close to 1¼ inches by just under an inch).  

https://www.stuller.com/products/66415/?groupId=88792&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Your mission is to see which one you think will make her heart and soul sing. Then call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), and we’ll make it happen.

 

Thanks, and please stop calling yourself boring.

 

The San Francisco Jewelry Doctor, who knows whereof she speaks because a) she is a brunette and no one has ever called her boring, and b) she is a doctor and as we have previously noted, doctors know everything.

 

P. S. After the holiday be sure to show her this story about all kinds of other wonderful jewelry for redheads. 

http://myjewelrydoctor.blogspot.com/2012/12/sun-in-not-required.html

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

Big and Beautiful

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

A lot of the jewelry I see out there is pretty, but kind of small. 

Not my wife! We’re both athletes (that’s how we met). So she needs something substantial. And there’s another wrinkle: Unlike her friends, when she’s off the court she goes “super-fem”: skirts, dresses, and a whole lot of pink.  ,

 

“Save the sweats for my workout,” she says.

 

I liked those lockets you recommended to Fanny yesterday, but they’d disappear on my wife.

 

Any ideas?

 

Sandy

 

Dear Sandy:

 

A locket would be a great choice for your wife. This one, in 14 karat gold, is really pretty and makes a statement. It’s 34.2 x 24.8mm (almost 1½ inches by just under an inch), so it’s got some presence. To give it even more, we could choose a chain on the wider side

—say 2mm or 2.5mm. https://www.stuller.com/products/2705/?groupId=16239&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Here’s a sterling silver locket. This is a bit smaller—33.9mm x 19.5mm. Again, we can give it a little more heft by choosing a wider chain for her. https://www.stuller.com/products/21949/?groupId=13185&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Another wonderful option is a monogrammed pendant. Here are two 40mm pendants (that’s over 1½ inches in diameter). Both have the monogram written in script, and are available in 14 karat gold (“yellow gold” in Jewelry Land), 14 karat white gold, 14 karat rose gold, and sterling silver, along with 10 karat gold (though there’s much more selection in chains in 14 karat).

https://www.stuller.com/products/86020/9654443/?groupId=119873&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

https://www.stuller.com/products/86014/9653978/?groupId=119862&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Here’s a beautiful, graceful leaf pendant, measuring 45 x 18.25mm (over 1¾ inches by close to ¾ inch) 

https://www.stuller.com/products/83584/1936255/?groupId=42674&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

And a lovely “flower in a frame” (30mm x 16.2 mm, or just under 1¼ inch by just under ¾ inch), displayed here in 14 karat rose gold. (It’s also available in yellow gold, white gold, sterling, and platinum.)  

https://www.stuller.com/products/83579/?groupId=42664&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Last, but certainly not least, this five-stone pendant is a little smaller (24mm x 12.25mm), but the diamonds give it a lot of wattage. And again, we can add more presence here by choosing a wider chain.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/83558/1913877/?groupId=74169&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Now the question is: Which of these do you think your wife would most love? Call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244) so we can discuss the details.

 

Rooting for You,

 

The San Francisco Jewelry Doctor

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

Valentine's Day Memories

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

Valentine’s Day was always a special day for my late husband and me. The man who wrote you yesterday sounds a lot like my guy. He was a true romantic from the day I met him to the day we lost him, always sending me flowers, surprising me with gifts. Valentine’s Day was our big celebration. We didn’t like the crowds, so he would cook dinner for me, open a bottle of our favorite wine, and the desserts! I think I gained five pounds every February.

 

But then an earlier illness came back. We were careful and he never caught COVID-19, but it was still really hard not to be able to spend his last days with him in the hospital.

 

That was last August. I’m feeling better, but I miss him and want to find a way to celebrate our love on Valentine’s Day. I’m cooking one of the dishes he used to make. We bought a case of that wine, so there’s enough for a glass or two on Saturday. But I also want to give myself a gift, as he always did, and since he made me promise to take his picture off my phone I want to get a locket so I can keep him close to my heart.

 

I’m guessing you have lockets. Could you show me some? Oh, and one more thing: I’m petite, so nothing gigantic, please. I need to wear it, not have it wearing me.

 

Fanny in North Dakota

 

Dear FIND:

 

So sorry for your loss! And what a lovely tribute to your late husband, to cook something he made for you. Don’t forget about dessert. As you may have heard, there are no calories on holidays.

 

Now about that locket: Here are some wonderful lockets—on the smaller side, as you requested. Just call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244) and we’ll discuss the details.

 

Note: Online pictures are often larger than the real-life version. So I’ll give you the measurements for each of these lockets.

 

This one is in 14 karat gold. It’s 13.5 x 12.5mm, or a bit more than ½ inch by ½ inch. https://www.stuller.com/products/2388/?groupId=15476&recommendationSource=productpage&recommendationType=recommendation&recommendationId=107155

 

Here’s a pretty 14 karat white gold locket. It’s 13.5 x 12.75mm, which is just a little larger—but again, just a touch over ½ inch by ½ inch.

https://www.stuller.com/products/84921/?groupId=107161&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Finally, here’s one in sterling silver. This one is a little larger—19.5mm x 12.75mm—but that’s just over ¾ inch by ½ inch, so it still won’t be wearing you :>. https://www.stuller.com/products/21838/?groupId=13061&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Again, you can reach us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244). Look forward to helping you create a meaningful Valentine’s Day as you treasure your Valentine's Day memories.

 

Love, 

 

The San Francisco Jewelry Doctor

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

True Love

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

Not sure you can help, but it’s worth a try. My girlfriend laid down the law: no gifts this year! That’s partly due to the pandemic, and partly because we’re saving for a house.

 

“I know you,” she said. “Valentine’s Day is coming, and you’re going to want to give me jewelry. Don’t even think about it.”

 

But I really want to give her something! Especially at Valentine’s Day, which I know some people think is corny but which I really look forward to each year because it’s a time when everybody, all over creation (well, at least, in the U. S.), is saying, “I love you.” My friends say, “What’s your problem? Just get her something. Tell her you found it somewhere.”

 

Sitting on My Hands

 

Dear SMH:

 

Well, your heart is certainly in the right place: You want to honor your girlfriend’s wishes, and you also want to give her a gift.

 

Your Jewelry Doctor, like all good doctors, makes a practice of not “over-treating”—i.e., recommending things that are not needed. So the question becomes, “Should you just sit this one out?”

 

Maybe. But there’s another option. Why not have a conversation with your girlfriend specifically about Valentine’s Day? Tell her how important it is to you to be able to give her a present. (Since the holiday is about a week away, I’d have that conversation sooner 

than later.)

 

If she says okay, we can put our heads together about a great gift for her. If not, you know where to reach us when the time is right.

 

Love,

 

The San Francisco Jewelry Doctor

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

What About Mom?

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

I’d like to get something for my mom for Valentine’s Day, but she is so picky! And she already has tons of jewelry. So I don’t know where to start when it comes to her gift. Can you help?

 

Hapless In Honolulu

 

Dear HIHO:

 

How lovely that you want to get your mother a gift! Based on what you’ve said, here are three equally fine approaches:

 

1.  Gift certificates are a great way to go when it comes to those with what we could call “very specific requirements.” To redeem the gift certificate, the recipient pronounces a special incantation—

 

Oh, sorry, we had to give that up. She can just call Laynie at San Francisco Jewelry Doctor (415/796-3969; text 415/596-4244) and make her selection.  

Presto! Brand-new jewelry she chooses herself. And you get the halo!

 

2.  People who love jewelry often have a lot of jewelry. They are also often delighted to know about the Jewelry Doctor, because many times their favorite pieces of jewelry are in need of a little TLC. And this is why jewelry restoration gift certificates were invented.

 

Even bigger halo for you.

 

3.  Once upon a time the Jewelry Doctor thought of all the conversations she had had with a certain kind of person—okay, men—and sat down and wrote an article about how to choose jewelry gifts with confidence. 

http://myjewelrydoctor.blogspot.com/2014/04/hard-to-shop-for-not-any-more_27.html

The good news is the article also works for women shopping for gifts for women, or men, or—well, you get the idea.  

 

True, this approach is a little riskier, since you’re doing the choosing. But people who have read “Hard to Shop For? Not Anymore!” consistently report great success with their gifts. Now you can join them!

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. A daughter’s best friend (and if Mom is reading? Aside from her mother, that is.).

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

 

 

 

 

  

Paging Carole Lombard

The mail is just piling up over here! Always great to hear from you.

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

I sometimes ask my girlfriend, “Are you sure you’re not time-travelling from another century?” She likes ’30s movies, late ’50s cars, makes a mean meatloaf, and—get this—she sends thank you notes. Thank you notes! I don’t know anybody else who does that.  

 

So the latest, trendiest styles are not for her, and that’s what you see everywhere. What’s a guy to do? I saved up and took her to New York one year (we spent most of our time in the historical museums, natch, and looking at old churches. Oy.). But in the pandemic, we’re not supposed to travel. And perhaps you’ve heard that Valentine’s Day is just around the corner? Help!

 

Stumped In Fort Lee

 

Dear STIFLE:

 

Yes, word has reached your Jewelry Doctor that Valentine’s Day is on the horizon, and she stands ready to help you. (Actually, she was standing but she’s sitting down for the moment, nibbling on a chocolate heart.)

 

Thank you notes! Your girlfriend is our kind of people. Here’s something from Stuller that looks tailor-made for her. (It’ll also bring a smile to the people on the receiving end of her notes.) It’s pictured in 14 karat gold, and it’s also available in white gold, rose gold, platinum, and sterling silver.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/87576/?groupId=207359&recommendationSource=productpage&recommendationType=recommendation&recommendationId=205764

 

Here are its companion earrings.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/87341/?groupId=205764&recommendationSource=productpage&recommendationType=recommendation&recommendationId=207359

 

A heart earring would also be a great choice to accompany the necklace. Here are a couple ideas.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/85883/8984952/?groupId=119271&recommendationSource=RelatedSiteSearch

 

https://www.stuller.com/products/84604/?groupId=99622&recommendationSource=RelatedSiteSearch

 

If her ears aren’t pierced, not to worry; we can change the posts or wires to clips. Just call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244) and we’ll take care of all the details.

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Gifts to celebrate good old-fashioned love.

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

Meet The New Steven

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

Can it be? Can I change my habit of either forgetting special occasions or running out at the last minute (well, not out this year, of course, but online—you know what I mean) to get a gift? I’m hopeful, because I saw that Figaro chain you recommended to Ronald yesterday and I thought if by chance that came in a narrower version my wife would be all over it. She’s a white gold and sterling girl, though. Any ideas?

 

Thanks,

 

Pattern-Breaking Steven

 

Dear PBS:

 

Hooray for you! Your jewelry doctor loves a great pattern—in design. Personal ones that don’t serve us? Out they go!  

 

Now about that chain: Here’s a really pretty one in sterling from Stuller. It’s 2.5mm wide, making it a great, understated choice. Plus, don’t you think the links look like hearts? I do! (Oh, but you two already said that, right?) https://www.stuller.com/products/ch434/?groupId=45916&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

  

So give us a shout at 415/796-3969, or text 415/596-4244. Sing out if you need a box.  

Oh, and Steven? Now, while you’re thinking of it, would be a really good time.

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Helping you shine.

 

 ©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

Gifts for the Manly

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

Help! I’d love to get my husband a Valentine’s Day gift, but I can’t see him wearing jewelry. He’s very masculine—not macho, but just very manly. (One of his better qualities, if you ask me :>.) So cufflinks are out. One of my friends suggested something in leather, but that’s not him, either. Maybe a tie bar, if it’s not too too, if you know what I mean. Or maybe you have other ideas for me?

 

Ronald in Oakland

 

Dear RIO:

 

Oh, honey, not to worry! Of course we have tie bars. You know, tie bars were originally invented for men, since for a long time they were the main ones wearing ties (though some women have always enjoyed them). Try one of these, from Stuller. 

https://www.stuller.com/products/86544/?groupId=194199&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

https://www.stuller.com/products/652889/?groupId=196778&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

I know most of us use cards these days, but some folks still love our money clips. https://www.stuller.com/products/84429/?groupId=93076&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

https://www.stuller.com/products/mc805/?groupId=102800&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

Another thing that might be great for your guy is a Figaro chain. They’re simple, elegant (okay, forget I said “elegant,” just stick with “simple”), and the wide ones are plenty manly.

https://www.stuller.com/products/ch629/?groupId=46113&searchTerm=ch629&recommendationSource=SearchRedirect

And you cannot go wrong with a curb chain.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/ch647/224632/?groupId=46131&recommendationSource=RelatedSiteSearch

 

Here’s one in stainless steel.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/c801/?groupId=105101&recommendationSource=SiteSearch

 

So there you have it! Get ready to be a hero. 

Oh, and honey? Next time, it is all about you. (Oh, please. Of course it is.)  

 

©2021 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.