Beautiful, Affordable Jewelry

Seems MoonRiverPearls.com isn't the only company selling affordable yet beautiful jewelry. Check out Kenwood Porcelain, http://www.kenwoodporcelain.com/default.html, a collection of ceramic jewelry handmade from colored clays.

According to the jewelry designer, the various patterns seen in the earrings and multicolored beads are created by layering and manipulating slices of colored porcelain to form a block or loaf of patterned clay, a Japanese technique called nerikomi. This block is then sliced to shape the jewelry pieces. After firing, the beads and earring pieces are tumbled in water to create a smooth matte finish.

The necklaces and earrings are uniquely beautiful and surprisingly affordable. Necklaces are just $35 and earrings are $12 to $18. Shipping is just $3.50.

Great, Affordable Mother's Day Gifts

Looking for fashionable yet affordable gifts for mom? (Mother's Day is right around the corner--May 11). Here are two of my top picks. Both gorgeous, both affordable.

Mother-of-pearl beaded bracelet. Looks just like Tahitian pearls, but at a fraction of the price. Get it at Moon River Pearls.com. $68

http://www.moonriverpearls.com/

Sterling silver charm bracelet. A steal at $35 (charms extra). Find it at Blue Nile. http://www.bluenile.com/.

Designer Jewelry at Target!

If you have a thing for pearl jewelry and other fine pieces, you'll love designer Dominique Cohen’s jewelry collection for Target. Craftsmanship and innovation are the mainstays of Cohen’s luxury jewelry line--but they carry a luxury pricetag as well. (A pair of Cohen's gold hoop earrings sells for $1400 at Saks). Like Isaac Mizrahi's clothing line for Target, Cohen's jewelry line is wonderfully affordable. I didn't see any piece over $50, although they're wonderfully rich looking--like something you stole from grandma. Check out the multi-ring faux pearl drop earrings in grey (left). For under 20 bucks, they're yours!