Santa is Ready. Are you?

Yes, it's true: Santa is coming down the chimney in just two days. But will he arrive empty-handed, disappointing children (large and small) everywhere? Not necessarily!

“How is that possible?”

Oh, honey, we are on it: You can still get wonderful handcrafted jewelry from the Laynie Tzena collection: pendants, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets in porcelain, Venetian glass, Swarovski crystal and gemstones. Just call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), tell us about the people on your list, and we'll put our heads together and find great gifts we can send overnight.

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. We’ve got you covered.

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

   

Jewelry on Mars

Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus, by John Gray, made a big splash when it came out. It built on an idea that had been kicking around for a while—that men and women often see the world quite differently. But there’s a lot of common ground, too, including when it comes to jewelry. 

Some think men don’t like to adorn themselves. But many a man reaches for a tie bar https://www.stuller.com/products/86545/?groupId=194200&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=ZiR9PlHMkj&recommendationSearchTerm=silver%20tie%20bar&recommendationIndex=3&r to secure his tie.  

 

He might prefer a casual look in his off-hours, and also enjoy putting on cufflinks https://www.stuller.com/search/results?query=cuff%20links to go to a wedding or a holiday gathering. 

 

Lots of men like rings.https://www.stuller.com/search/results?query=rings%20for%20men

 

Your guy might well love a great chain necklace (though he might not call it a necklace).https://www.stuller.com/products/ch9/224627/?groupId=46310&recommendationSource=CategoryBrowse&recommendationIndex=5

 

And of course quite a few men wear religious jewelry.

 

So what about your favorite Martian? What kind of jewelry does he wear? Give us a call at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), and we’ll find something that’ll make him shine even brighter in his orbit.

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Making your world bigger.

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

Pro Tip for Great Gifts: Build, Baby, Build!

A time-honored way to know your gift will be a winner is to build on something your loved one already adores. “Bill”* has such a story.

 

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

I am so excited! For once, I know what to get for my holiday gift. Ever since I bought that gold curb chain from you last year my wife hasn’t stopped wearing it. I actually have to remind her that she has other jewelry she could wear!  

 

“Very nice,” you say. "But why, aside from your newfound confidence (which we applaud), are you excited about this year’s gift?”

 

Well! I looked at that holiday gift guide from Stuller you just mentioned, and what did I find? Curb. Earrings. Curb earrings! And then when I took a look at the earrings on the site I noticed a curb ring. With an emerald. She has green eyes. She’s going to love it. Thank you!

 

Bill

 

You are so welcome, Bill. Those earrings are really pretty.  

https://www.stuller.com/products/689016/21176630/?groupId=215102&recommendationSource=Brochure1225

 

That ring he mentioned? 

https://www.stuller.com/products/72328/19337343/?groupId=210529&recommendationSource=productpage-MatchesWith

And here’s that beautiful chain. 

https://www.stuller.com/products/ch26/15022/?groupId=45744&recommendationSource=Brochure1225

 

Be like Bill. Choose a gift that builds on the last successful one.**

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. We put the “happy” in “Happy Holidays.”

 

*Not his real name. (He’s kind of a private person.) 

 

**”But I gave her a car last time.”

 

No problem. https://www.stuller.com/products/28242/?groupId=108576&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=bnKahYAlB8&recommendationSearchTerm=car%20charms&recommendationIndex=0&r

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

Is It Really Next Monday?

You say you just realized there’s a holiday a week from today? Not to worry*. Stuller, one of our very favorite sources, has a handy Holiday Gift Guide. Here ‘tis. https://assets.stullercloud.com/web/apps/images/flipbooks/2023/merry-to-the-max/index.html

 

So have a look, make your selections, and give us a call at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244) and we’ll take care of the rest. Just make sure to place your order by noon Pacific Time on Wednesday, 12/20 so it arrives here on time to send it your way. (Bay Area jewelry-lovers are welcome to pick up your gifts in person.)

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. The very best jewelry, in the nick of time.

 

*Worrying not encouraged. Stepping on it? Essential.

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

Gifts for the Perplexed

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

 

I’m sorry, but this is not the most wonderful time of the year, by a long shot. The most wonderful time of the year is the time between 

holidays, when I get to return to feeling like a competent human being.

 

To be specific, the reason I hate the holidays—all except Thanksgiving (L-o-v-e that turkey! And sweet potatoes. And dressing. And pie. And—never mind)—is that no matter what I choose for my one-and-only she takes it back, or it gets banished to the bottom of the jewelry box.

 

I know it’s hopeless, but I thought I’d write just to let you know there are people like me out there.

 

When are the Holidays Over, Already?

 

Dear WHOA:

 

Honey, not to worry. Help is at hand. Your Jewelry Doctor has helped lots of nice people like you. She would love to hand you a cup of hot cider, but she is seriously afraid you might throw it at her. So she is restraining herself, and instead offering a bit of advice. 

 

1. Let us talk about gift certificates. Simply call us at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), let us know the amount you’d like to spend, and one of our fabulous gift certificates will be on its way so you can give your one-and-only a present she is sure to love!

 

2. If you would like to buy her something yourself, read this beloved, informative story from our archives. It will help you shop confidently now and in the future. https://myjewelrydoctor.blogspot.com/2014/04/hard-to-shop-for-not-any-more_27.html

 

Fret no more!

 

The San Francisco Jewelry Doctor 

 

P. S. Your one-and-only mentioned a paperclip chain necklace. Just sayin’.

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

So You Want to Be Taylor Swift

Understandable, but cloning is still illegal in most places. But don’t despair.  Consider what it is you would like to emulate about Taylor Swift.

 

“I want to write great songs and be famous.”

 

Okay. Even with our magic wand, this one is out of our hands, except to suggest you start by writing a song. Next?

 

“I want to travel around the world.”

 

Great! You could a) be independently wealthy; b) become a flight attendant; c) work for a cruise line; d) become a traveling chef; d) teach your native language in countries were people want to learn it. So many options, none involving jewelry. We will move on. Next?

 

“I want to date Travis Kelce.”

 

Ah! Even farther out of our league.  Now, you could always date another football player. They can be found in many a town. (And remember, if you really want to pay tribute to Taylor Swift, you should probably start by dating musicians. They are even easier to find!)  

 

Okay. So we’ve established that you would like to be Taylor Swift and the Jewelry Doctor, despite her own considerable talents (and noted modesty) seems not to be able to help you.

 

But wait! There is a way to honor Taylor Swift in your daily life.  

 

Start by whipping out your favorite little black dress. (Or buy one.  They are readily available.)

 

Now let’s pair it with some great jewelry echoing that wonderful celestial dress Taylor wore to her 34^th birthday party. 

 

Here’s a collection of moon jewelry from Stuller.

https://www.stuller.com/search/results?query=moon%20jewelry

 

Now let’s zoom in. Here’s a wonderful crescent moon pendant.

https://www.stuller.com/products/67122/?groupId=93999&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=KX7ODyJnXo&recommendationSearchTerm=moon%20jewelry&recommendationIndex=1&r

 

A lovely moon and stars dangle.

https://www.stuller.com/products/2000997/?groupId=206890&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=XVLud7REYG&recommendationSearchTerm=moon%20jewelry&recommendationIndex=3&r

 

A diamond crescent necklace.

https://www.stuller.com/products/88481/?groupId=215751&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=7cNkSh9sIX&recommendationSearchTerm=moon%20jewelry&recommendationIndex=4&r

 

With earrings to match, natch.

https://www.stuller.com/products/86449/?groupId=193345&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=xkAUl2X0ss&recommendationSearchTerm=moon%20jewelry&recommendationIndex=0&r

 

You can have the sun and moon in a petite (6.25mm [as in: ¼ inch]) dangle.

https://www.stuller.com/products/2000936/?groupId=206200&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=inE36ahMNa&recommendationSearchTerm=moon%20jewelry&recommendationIndex=9&r

 

Here’s a dangle that features cabochons rather than faceted stones. Taylor’s eyes have been described as “electric blue with a hint of black.” So lapis might be a great call. Or aquamarine. Or maybe blue topaz?

https://www.stuller.com/products/2000399/?groupId=203806&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=yRurR7hpRk&recommendationSearchTerm=moon%20jewelry&recommendationIndex=6&r

 

 If you’d prefer a solo star, here’s something pretty.

https://www.stuller.com/products/2000943/?groupId=206207&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=QGdDAchmN2&recommendationSearchTerm=star%20jewelry&recommendationIndex=1&r

 

A diamond petite star necklace.

https://www.stuller.com/products/84419/?groupId=93657&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=IQvaEnp9cx&recommendationSearchTerm=star%20jewelry&recommendationIndex=2&r

 

And a smashing pair of star earrings.

https://www.stuller.com/products/86757/?groupId=198313&recommendationSource=SiteSearch&recommendationSearchId=GtoQ6n37Uf&recommendationSearchTerm=star%20jewelry&recommendationIndex=6&r

 

So which ones call to you? Call your friendly neighborhood* Jewelry Doctor at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244) and let’s make some beautiful things happen. 

Oh, and honey? You are always a star, in our book.

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. We give you the moon and stars. (And no, we haven’t forgotten Pluto. We love you, Pluto! Never mind what those people said.)

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

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved. 

Teresa Seeks Guidance

Dear San Francisco Jewelry Doctor:

Help! I missed Chanukah again. How could that happen? Well, it’s been one thing after another this year. I’ve just been really busy. But I don’t want my friends to think I don’t care about them. I do! So now what?

 

Teresa, in an undisclosed Location Due to Real embarrassment

 

Dear TLDR:

 

Of course you’re busy. Very, very busy. We know how busy you are. You were nominated for “Busiest Person of All Time” in the Guinness Book of World Records again this year, and your Jewelry Doctor is happy to inform you that she voted for you.  

 

She is also happy to offer a couple pieces of very good news:

 

1. Your friend is not angry at you. Latkes and applesauce*, eaten in combination, create a feeling of bliss so complete as to eradicate all known resentments. (Might come in handy in some quarters.)

 

2. Chanukah is indeed underway—hence, all those lights you see in the streets, not to mention the candelabras (called “menorahs” or “chanukiot,” described in this very story.

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

 

Happily, tonight is only the fourth night. Chanukah lasts eight nights.  But honey? You might want to step on it. Chanukah does not do reindeer or large bearded people delivering items down chimneys.  

 

So call your neighborhood** Jewelry Doctor at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244), and we will find something fabulous for the lucky people on your list before the applesauce runs out. Joan***, by the way, would like one of our pendants.

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Making it miraculous for over 25 years.

 

*Or, for some, sour cream; your Jewelry Doctor does not take a stand on such matters. She loves both.

 

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

 

***”How do you know Joan? And how on Earth do you know what she has in mind?”

Honey, have you forgotten? I am a doctor. And doctors know everything.

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

"I Wonder If They're Open on Small Business Saturday?"

Yes, indeed.  And do we have goodies for you!  Call your friendly neighborhood* Jewelry Doctor at 415/796-3969 (text 415/596-4244) and we’ll find just the right gifts for you** and yours.

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor.  We’ve got you covered.

 

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

 

**By “you” do you mean me?” 

 

Honey, of course we mean you.  How could you not be included in the fun?

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena.  All Rights Reserved.

Thank the Birds

A little birdie just flew in to tell the Jewelry Doctor it was time to remind you of a certain day that comes just once a year to honor the person who made your oh-so-busy life possible. Here are some articles from our archives to get you in the mood.

http://myjewelrydoctor.blogspot.com/search/label/Mother%27s%20Day

 

“Wait, it’s not Mother’s Day yet, is it?”

 

Almost—it’s Sunday. But not to worry*, honey. We’ve got you covered: beautiful handcrafted jewelry from the Laynie Tzena Collection, along with wonderful jewelry from Stuller, one of favorite sources. (Their Mother’s Day guide has oodles of great gifts.)  

 

So give us a call at 415/796-3969; (text 415/596-4244), and we’ll put our heads together and find something just right for your mom.

 

“Did you say Stuller has a Mother’s Day guide?”

 

Why, yes. Here ‘tis.

https://assets.stullercloud.com/web/apps/images/flipbooks/2023/mothers-day/index.html

 

And honey? Call now, before you get buried in that project** again. 

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. We make you look good, in more than many ways.

 

*”Not to worry” should not be understood to mean, “Whenever you get around to it.” It means, “Avoid panic by taking care of this now.”

 

**”How did you know about my project?”

 

Honey, remember, I am a doctor. And doctors know everything.

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

 

Elemental

Lynne sent me a picture of a necklace she had bought recently. 

“I don’t love it, but think it has some great elements,” she said.  

 

And it did: look at that rose quartz pendant at the center. What a beauty! But the design didn’t gel. The individual components seemed to be going in different directions.

 

When a customer brings in a piece of jewelry to be redesigned we start by determining his or her favorite part of the jewelry as it stands. In this case, Lynne loved both the pendant and the necklaces—just not together.

 

We examined the pendant.

What if one were to build a necklace to echo the rose quartz and bring out that wonderful silver bail?

“Nice work,” says someone. “I guess when it came to the necklaces, you could just restring them.”

Not so fast. That worked for the freshwater pearl necklace (which now has companion earrings).

But when it came to the rhodochrosite rectangle necklace, a simple restringing was out. The necklace was too short, and those rectangles were nowhere to be found on the market. 

Time to build a new necklace. Creating a balanced composition in the right length for Lynne, while staying true to the spirit of the original, was quite the challenge—but you know your Jewelry Doctor loves a challenge.

 

“Wonderful!” said Lynne, looking at her new ensemble.

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

  

"Now That's More Like It!"

These earrings have a romantic feel to them—

—which was lost on CeeJay. “Not me,” she said. “What else can we do?”  

 

We looked at a number of options. Here’s the one CeeJay chose. 

Here’s another look.

And one from the top. 

Now the color of that amethyst really sings. I don’t know if CeeJay does—I’ll have to ask her—but she seems very happy with her new earrings.

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.   

What Have We Here?

Here’s a pretty bracelet. Don’t you love that pattern?

 

Alas, the clasp is broken. 

“Oh, well,” somebody says. “I guess there’s nothing we can do.”

 

Au contraire! In many cases we can fix that clasp or, if need be, replace it. But Lynne had something different in mind. She included a note with her bracelet. 

So we did, choosing a Rolo chain to echo one of the elements of the bracelet pattern and a complementary chain for the companion earrings. 

 

 

How about you? Is there something sitting in the jewelry box that you’d like to give a new life (or something you have been looking for)? Call us at 415/796-3969 (or text 415/596-4244).

 

San Francisco Jewelry Doctor. Making it all better (well, at least your jewelry. We’ll keep working on the rest.)

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.

 

"Help! I'm in the Wrong Necklace!"

“I’m not sure what to do with this,” said Lynne.

 

The strand had two great components: Leopard skin jasper—one of your Jewelry Doctor’s favorite gemstones—and Venetian glass, beloved by just about everyone. But the fact that each of these components was wonderful on its own didn’t mean they were destined to live together

“I don’t belong here!” said the Venetian glass.  

 

“Don’t blame us,” said the leopard skin jasper. “We were doing just fine before you showed up.”

 

The Jewelry Doctor listened to the conversation and put on her thinking cap. She began with the Venetian glass, which she thought looked familiar. Did she have some of its cousins on hand, from a show way back when? 

Indeed.

 

The Venetian glass—which turned out to be Ercole Moretti millefiore—is quite happy in its new home.

Lynne is also happy. “I love it!” she says.

 

“Very nice. But what happened to the round ones?” you ask. 

They became earrings. Might have a picture. We shall see.

“And what about the leopard skin jasper?” 

 

Stay tuned.

 

©2023 Laynie Tzena. All Rights Reserved.