Ice Blog

For the fifth year in a row, United Airline transported the 13 1/2 inch golden Oscars on a regular passenger flight to from Chicago, where they are manufactured, to LAX in time for the ceremony. Everyone on the flight was able to give their regards to Oscar himself, as one statuette was being transported on board, chaperoned by a representative from his maker, Chicago-based R.S. Owens.

This year, however, Ice. com added a another special treat to the flight. They gave away 3 of the 14-karat diamond heart pendants like the one below:

Passengers were also treated to commemorative 77th Annual Academy Awards posters and other goodies. Read all about it here.

Dear Leslie,
I was just debating with a friend whether sapphire comes in colors other than blue. I said yes, she said no. Who’s right?
Kathy in Memphis

You are, Kathy. While sapphire, the September birthstone, is most often thought of as a blue stone, it does indeed come in other colors as well, most notably pink and yellow. I recently came across the most stunning pair of pink sapphire and diamond earrings.

Combining various colored sapphire stones in one piece of jewelry has become quite popular as of late, as is evident in these white gold multi-colored sapphire earrings or this extraordinary white gold, diamond and sapphire ring. Your friend will never think of sapphire the same way again.

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

Dear Leslie,
For our anniversary, my boyfriend bought me a matching opal necklace and bracelet. He spent a lot of time picking them out and now I’m really nervous that I won’t take proper care of them. Help!
Bianca in Las Alamos

For basic jewelry protection, always remove your jewelry while doing sports or housework, or any other activity where your jewelry may be scratched or exposed to chemicals. While rings and bracelets are most affected by daily wear, earrings, necklaces and even pendants are subject to chemical damage, especially if worn while make-up, fragrances and hair products are applied.

Always check for loose gems and clasps before wearing your jewelry. To avoid your gems and metal jewelry scratching each other, never store your jewelry in piles. Store them in separate sections of a jewelry box or wrap them separately in velvet, paper or silk.

In regards to cleaning, with opals, I have found that if you wipe them with a soft dry or slightly damp cloth after you wear them they retain their shine. You should never wash or scrub opals as they lose their luster.

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

Dear Leslie,
I’m getting married in June and need to decide how to accessorize. Should I wear diamonds, gold, pearls? I want something romantic.
Taylor in Savannah

There are many choices today for wedding jewelry today, but pearls still seem to come in at the top. Pearls will always be both classic and classy. Everyone from Jackie Kennedy to Marylin Monroe wore pearls for their wedding. The simple elegance of pearls and their classic associations ensure that they will always be both tasteful, romantic, and stay with you forever.

Whether you decide to pair it with diamonds or a stone that matches the colors of your bridal party, this South Sea Graduated Pearl Necklace, will be the perfect choice for your wedding day.

If you choose your necklace wisely you will be able to wear your pearls not only to your wedding, but also to those of your children and grandchildren as well.

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

Aries, the first sign in the zodiacal year, is the sign of new beginnings. Symbolized by a young ram, Aries is a fire sign ruled by the planet Mars.

Aries are known to be adventurous, ambitious and full of energy. As trend-setters, they can often be found wearing the latest fashions and are known to be found of the color red.

Famous Aries include Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton and Gloria Steinem.

Aries love excitement, so why not surprise the Aries in your life with a dazzling showpiece from ice.com’s collection of garnets or rubies?

The body parts most associated with Aries are the head and the face, so an elegant garnet necklace or a pair of dazzling ruby and diamond earrings would be my own personal recommendation.

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

Dear Leslie,
Is it true you can clean your jewelry with Alka Seltzer?
Francis in Denver, CO

It is indeed true. It’s a good, quick and cheap way to get your jewelry clean, but it’ll only really do the job so well. It’s still a good idea to get some good jewelry cleaner for a more thorough cleaning at least once a year.

In the mean time, you can put your jewelry in a cup or dish of water, drop in two Alka Seltzer tablet and let those do the work for you for about five minutes. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly and dry with a clean, soft cloth.

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

Dear Leslie,
All of my jewelry is very tasteful and simple, but I’ve grown a little bored of it. I just need something new to put on every once in a while. Any good ideas?
Morgan in Denver

I saw this stunning Fresh Water Pearl Circle Kinetic Pendant which is absolutely stunning. Still simple and elegant, but with a certain unique flair to it.

Also, you must not be afraid to adding some color to your jewelry wardrobe. Take a look at this Multicolored Freshwater Pearl Necklace combining pearls and gemstones in a beautiful, light hearted approach to a pearl necklace.

Or maybe something like this Rhodolite Garnet and Diamond Pendant.

I love that deep purple heart-shaped centerpiece. Both are affordable and either one will give you that wonderful feeling of having something new and different.

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

Dear Leslie,

Sylvia in Jacksonville

First of all, Sylvia, congratulations on the honor. I’m sure your husband’s work is much appreciated. In regards to the earrings, I would suggest browsing through this collection at ice.com. My personal favorite are the classic Iolite and Amethyst Earrings for their old school elegance and modern charm.

I suggest that you make your selection soon as orders take between 4-6 business days to arrive. And once again, I’d like to extend my best wishes to you and your husband.

Do you have a jewelry related question? Just ask Leslie at leslie@justaskleslie.com

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

Dear Leslie,
Can I swim in my jewelry?
Jenny in Kansas City

It is best to avoid wearing gold in pools or hot tubs as chlorine erodes gold and can render it more susceptible to damage. To help your jewelry stand the test of time, take them off before diving in.

Do you have a jewelry related question? Just ask Leslie at leslie@justaskleslie.com

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

People believed for centuries that the energy of the sea water was captured in the delicate blue of Aquamarine. It’s certainly not hard to see why. The ancient Romans believed the gem had fallen from the jewel boxes of sirens and washed onto shore.

As a member of the Beryl family, Aquamarine is a very tough gemstone, and an excellent choice for Jewelry that is frequently worn and needs to be durable. They are thought to give the wearers knowledge, foresight and assist in an individual’s inspiration.

A gift of Aquamarine symbolizes safety and security, particularly within long standing relationships. Some even say that the Aquamarine can reawaken love in a tired marriage, so if you want to bring back that spark in your partner’s eyes, you might consider this gem as an anniversary gift!

There’s many stunning pieces to look at, all of them affordable. Like this show stopping 7/8 karat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring which matches up perfectly with this pendant necklace. The eye-catching rectangular cut of the gemstone and dramatic setting draw attention to the natural, graceful beauty of Aquamarine.

There is also this more subtle, oval shaped pendant at the great price of only $85 it could make a gorgeous signature piece to be worn every day.

Do you have a jewelry related question? Just ask Leslie at leslie@justaskleslie.com

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie