With Mother’s Day fast approaching, jewelry shopping can feel overwhelming.  How to choose the perfect gift for such a special person?  Those who know me won’t be surprised to see me recommend my personal favorite: pearls.

Cultured pearls make the perfect Mother’s Day gift because they are beautiful, and so versatile. Our collection simplifies your shopping, making it easy to find a treasure she doesn’t already own.  Studs or fancier earrings, pendants, bracelets, or a pearls-on-chain necklace are all great alternatives to the traditional strand.

As works of nature, remember that cultured pearls are porous.  A pearl’s nacre coating is what gives it that sought-after glow. Pearl jewelry should never come in contact with cosmetics, perfume, hairspray or other chemicals, and cultured pearls should not be cleaned with “jewelry cleaner.”  A simple damp lint-free cloth is usually just right to keep pearls looking beautiful.

From our selection of pink and pastel pearl necklaces, perfect for Mother’s Day:

Pink Multi Hued Freshwater Cultured Pearls, 18 Inches, Silver Clasp - $75

Freshwater cultured pearl drop earrings with genuine emerald accents:

Freshwater Cultured Pearls Dangle with Gemstone Accent, 14K - $215

And while we’re on the subject of soft gems, the birthstone for May is Emerald.

Emeralds almost always have natural clarity characteristics — finding a genuine emerald without any internal features is extraordinarily rare. For this reason, the criteria that determine the value of gemstones just don’t apply to emeralds. These vibrant green gems are in a class all to themselves!

Keep in mind that emeralds are among the softest gems used in fine jewelry.  Sadly, the Spanish conquistadors in Peru didn’t know that. They mistakenly believed that emeralds were unbreakable.  When they discovered hoards of emeralds mined by the Incas, they decided to “test” the emeralds to see if they were real by smashing them with hammers!  Imagine how many gorgeous green emeralds they destroyed…fortunately, today we take better care of these precious gems.  The various rich green hues of emerald are associated with life and growth. However, since emeralds are soft, they need special care, and I don’t recommend you choose emerald for your engagement ring.  Save these for jewelry you will wear on occasion and with extra care.

Here’s one of my favorites:

Oval Emeralds Band with Diamonds, 18K White Gold - $2850

I often think of my grandmother Clara, and wonder what she would think about Fortunoff if she could see it today.  The world, and our business, have changed so much since that first store on Livonia Avenue in Brooklyn. Clara worked tirelessly to build the business, but never lost sight of the importance of building her family, as well.  Following Clara,  my mother Helene enjoyed a great career, shattering glass ceilings, accumulating accolades and awards, and making a huge impact in the world of jewelry. She, too, would tell you that she kept an equally firm eye on her family. It is inspiring — and a little daunting — to follow in the steps of these great women who built my family business. Two of the most important lessons they taught me were: find great designs that our customers will love and always offer the customer a fair price. These days, in the age of online shopping, these tasks post great challenges.  How do we show our great new product so that our customers can appreciate their design and quality?  And – most important of all – how do we nurture relationships with our customers, to give the experience and fair pricing you expect and deserve?

It’s very important, I believe, to continue to offer you our legendary large selection. I want to bring you jewelry for special occasions that is both high quality and affordable. The pieces I select are ones you can be proud to give to your mother, so she will cherish and wear any of them with joy.   These keepsakes and sentimental jewels are beautiful expressions of appreciation for a mother’s love. I’ve chosen some beautiful new  lockets and jewelry with messages to add to our collections.

Among the new gold and silver lockets, we’ve brought in a new Victorian style spinning locket, which holds two photos and would look great on a long chain:

Victorian Spinning Style Locket, 14 Karat Yellow Gold $425.00

Interwoven hearts bring to mind a mother’s embrace. Our “Happy Hearts” pendants come in two sizes, large and small, now in silver and gold.

Happy Hearts Large Pendant, 32 Inch Chain, Sterling Silver $125.00

This classic engraved oval locket has room for four photos:

Four Photo Locket, Engraved Floral Design, 14 Karat Yellow Gold $595.00

However you choose to honor your mother or grandmother this year, I thank you for sharing the special occasion with us.  I know that whichever you select, your gift will be appreciated for years to come.

With Earth Day approaching, I am happy to introduce jewelry that is both beautiful and sustainable. With so much “green washing” today, it can be hard to determine which products really are eco-friendly. Use of recycled precious metals is not something new; more people are becoming aware of how much recycling and remaking of jewelry is done. So what truly makes a jewelry collection sustainable? Well, I am excited to share with you a new collection that really is.

The Maasai Collection is bright, colorful, perfect for spring and summer. It is also a crucial economic development tool for the Maasai people of Africa. The Maasai are a semi-nomadic tribe well known for their intricate and beautiful bead work. We are working with award-winning designer Alison Nagasue who incorporates handmade traditional Maasai beadwork into wearable, colorful, and sustainable contemporary jewelry. With every purchase from our collection, 20% is directly returned to the tribal artisans. The goal of our charitable partner, the not for profit organization African Development through Economics and the Arts, is to turn over the business aspects of the jewelry project to the Maasai. This Earth Day, give a struggling population something truly sustainable: a much needed source of income.

Maasai Collection, White Glass Bead Earrings, $45

Maasai Collection, Dark Tones, Eight Strand Glass Bead Necklace, $225

Maasai Collection, Stretch Cuff, Glass Beads, Your Choice of Colors, $65

And speaking of sustainability, I am proud that Fortunoff is the exclusive source in the United States for Ecojewel. Ecojewel is made in Italy, and “made in love” with the utmost respect for the environment. Using an impressive 100% recycled metals as well as recycled packaging, Ecojewel’s strives to have a zero impact on the environment, certified by a third party. Now that is an impressive commitment to the earth. Enjoy 20% off in honor of Earth Day.

Hibiscus Flower Necklace, Sterling Silver, 14K Yellow Gold Vermeil, $365

Large Dangle with Citrine Accents, Sterling Silver and 14K Yellow Gold Vermeil, $275

And while we are thinking globally, please remember to shop locally too. Real Jewels is made in New York City using 100% recycled precious metals. Real Jewels debuted in 2009 and is already advancing environmental causes such as Save Our Shores. For Earth Day, we are offering 20% off the Real Jewels collection.

Real Jewels Matte Silver Star with Diamond, Sterling Silver, $110

Celebrate Earth Day with mindfulness and be discerning when you are about to buy something that claims to be eco-friendly. These are complex issues that involve more than just the materials that go into a product. Enjoy.

It seems to me that everyone born during the month April has some kind of innate good fortune. I mean, when your birthstone is a diamond, life just seems more glamorous and appealing.

A lot of you know about the “four c’s” of diamond value, but there are other more subtle parts of a diamond that affect its performance. Yes, you heard me correctly. It is the performance of a diamond that makes it so special; the way it reflects and refracts light. Reflection is the amount of white light returned to the eye, the “flash.” Dispersion is the amount of white light broken into its spectral colors, the “fire.” Larger table facets on a diamond will give you more flash. Smaller table facets will give you more fire. Whether you favor flash or fire, Fortunoff has the diamond for you.

If it’s white light you are after, this Asscher cut band will do the trick:

Seven Diamond Square Asscher Cut Band, 1 Carat, Platinum

If it’s fire that you love, we have just the ring:

Diamond Loop Scroll Ring, 14K White Gold

Bridal season is coming up. Shop our Wedding Day Looks section for something new for the big day.

Diamond Cluster Flower Bracelet, 14K White Gold

Diamonds aren’t just for bridal. Our selection of diamond fashion jewelry is right on trend. It’s time to freshen up your spring wardrobe with a little sparkle! Find this and more hot styles in the Birthstone Jewelry section of our Gift Center:

Diamond Key Pendant, 14K White Gold

Since this is Women’s History Month, it’s time to celebrate the achievements of women. Last week I had the privilege of speaking at the Designer Day event at the MJSA show. It was inspiring to see the dedication to the craft and business of jewelry. Fortunoff has always tried to find new talent. We always tried to support women designers when possible.

Kudos to Susan Michel! Her business now has a second generation, as her daughter has joined her as a business associate. A trailblazer in the field of law as well as jewelry design, Susan Michel is an inspiration, as is her “Rock Star Heart” necklace.

Rock Star Heart Necklace by Susan Michel

And talk about creativity! Look no further than the collection of Cynthia Gale. An artist who expresses cultural diversity, a love of nature, and spirituality through her jewelry, GeoArt by Cynthia Gale is a collection I am proud to carry.

Prayer Capsule, Inspired by Washington National Cathedral, GeoArt by Cynthia Gale

Natasha Wozniak is a Brooklyn artist with true dedication: creating jewelry by hand in her own studio. We are proud to offer her bold and feminine designs.

Handmade Gold Plate and Silver Cuff by Natasha Wozniak

Is there a woman that inspires you? We want to hear about her. Commemorate a woman who has made a difference in your life during Women’s History Month.

There is nothing I love more than the quintessential glamour of Hollywood, old and new! And what better place is there to find fine jewelry inspiration than the 84th Annual Academy Awards? This year proved to be no exception in the glitter and glamour department, with several stars taking our breath away with simply stunning jewelry choices.

Gwyneth Paltrow proved that she has the star power to make a red carpet statement in a smashing statement cuff bracelet paired with a floral cocktail ring. And now we invite you to feast your eyes on our diamond lattice cuff bracelet and radiant diamond ring, a hot look for less:

Diamond Lattice Cuff, 14k White Gold

Cushion Cut One Carat Diamond Ring With Round Accents, 18K White Gold

Michele Williams exuded classic Hollywood style in her dazzling diamond line necklace. Imagine draping yourself in our version. Will over 5.00carats of diamonds do? I thought so!

Graduated Five Carat Diamond Eternity Necklace, 15.5 inch, 14k White Gold

And for my 2012 trend alert: on the ear earrings are a classic and refreshing homage to Hollywood glamour, and you will find the perfect pair right here:

Square Asscher Cut Diamond Studs, 1.50 Carat, VS1/VS2, 18K White Gold

With Valentine’s Day approaching, I am reminded of what a privilege it is to be in the jewelry business. Jewelry is such an intimate token, worn close to the heart or symbolizing a sacred bond between couples. It is an emotional expression of the moments we treasure in life. This Valentine’s Day, we have great heart motif jewelry. Also, we’ve added “Love Knot” jewelry; any two pieces coordinate well with each other without being too “matchy matchy.”

Stunning alone or partnered with a pair:

Flower Cluster Ring .24 Carat, 14K White Gold

Diamond Knot Earrings, 14K White Gold

Classic White Gold Knot Cuff Link, 14K

Love Knot Hoop Earrings, Sterling Silver

Infinity Knot Center, Double Chain Bracelet, 7.5 Inches, Sterling Silver

The tradition of Valentine’s Day dates all the way back to the fifteenth century. King James I of England saw his daughter Elizabeth married on that auspicious day. In the 21st century, Valentine’s Day brings us the perfect occasion to acknowledge our dearest love. Here at Fortunoff, our dearest love is being your source for the jewelry you give to those who touch your life, from that special someone to the ones you don’t see as often but always wish you did. Here are some of my favorite picks for Valentine’s Day gifts.

Regal amethyst combined with romantic pink sapphires creates a dreamy pendant, a perfect choice for a special Valentine.

Amethyst and Pink Sapphire Pendant, 14k White Gold

Complete the look with our coordinating earrings:

Amethyst Faceted Earrings With Rhodolite Garnet Beads, 14K Yellow Gold

Sweet and simple, this classic silver “heart within a heart” pendant is perfect for the ones closest to yours:

Heart Charm Bracelet with Double Rolo Link Chain, Sterling Silver

Amethyst is an amazing gem with a long and interesting history. Did you know that in ancient Greece, people wore amethyst thinking that it would prevent intoxication? No, really. Roman soldiers wore it into battle, believing the gem had healing powers. The violet hues of amethyst, the purple variety of quartz, were once so prized that the gem was considered as precious as rubies, sapphires, and emeralds. Well, in the 18th century, vast deposits of amethyst crystals were discovered and its rarity (or lack of) was demystified. While amethyst is no longer considered a precious gem, the appeal of amethyst is easy to understand. It is routinely heated to bring out its vibrant color and no, it doesn’t prevent a hangover or the need for an annual physical. Those lucky enough to have been born during the month of February can wear our selection of amethyst beauties with pride.
Elegance that will be appreciated every day:

Round Gemstone and Diamond Earring, 14K White Gold

Absolutely charming “Rose de France” amethyst heart earrings make a stunning gift for a February birthday or a special Valentine. Check out the beautiful cut:

Heart Shaped Amethyst Drop Earring, 14K Yellow Gold

Bracelets worthy of the one who lights up your days:
CLB10172W4

Oval Amethyst Gemstone Bracelet, 14K White Gold

Oval Amethyst Gemstone Bracelet, 14K Yellow Gold

The Golden Globes are just behind us and we are looking forward to the Academy Awards. Sometimes, the diamonds and gemstones dazzle every bit as much as the couture dresses. Seen on celebrities from the red carpet to late night parties, structured gowns and bold colors are all the rage this season. The statement pieces are trending, like this oversized black onyx ring by Susan Michel, or the colorful multi-gemstone stunner. If you plan on stepping out in a LBD, either of these will look wonderful on your hand.

Large Square Black Onyx Ring, Diamond Accent, Sterling Silver, by Susan Michel

Statement Ring, Blue Topaz, Black and White Diamond, 18K White Gold

When parties are on your calendar, try oversized chandelier earrings to let your inner star power shine. They may not rival the shoulder-dusting creations worn by Kate Beckinsale or Jessica Alba, so try on our far more comfortable and wallet-friendly gold or silver styles:

Large Oval Hibiscus Flower Earrings, Sterling Silver and 14k Yellow Gold Vermeil

These delicate filigree earrings by Francesca Puppo capture all the glamour of the bold chandelier style and just happen to be a Fortunoff exclusive. You won’t find these earrings anywhere else in the United States, so you can party-hop without seeing yourself coming and going.

Large Flower Disc Filigree Dangles, Sterling Silver