Ice Blog

Dear to the Leslie,
The Rahulio, he is needs your help. You see, there is a very special girl who is doing the High School graduation (Hoorray!). The Monolo and all his internet friends are present to her $65 gift certificate to the ice.com (you can to read about it here) to making her look so so fantastico. I know you are thinking “Rahulio, how can the girl find something pretty for only $65?” To that the Rahulio answers “no!” For I know the Leslie, and the Leslie she is very good at finding the deals. So please, find the girl pretty things and it will make her, and the Rahulio and the Monolo and all his other internet friends so happy.
The Rahulio from Sparklelikethestars.com

Thanks for thinking of me Rahulio. Sixty five dollars? That’s more than enough for a great gift. She’ll be heading into university, and doesn’t need big, ostentatious pieces, she needs something fun that she’ll feel great in. Here’s some things I found:

If she doesn’t own one already, Toggle bracelets continue to be one of this years hottest accessories. This one has the adorable detail of actually being a locket with a second heart hidden inside. It’s currently on sale for only $50.

There is also this cute and trendy Silver Heart Pendant, only $55.

Wearing this canary yellow enamel ring, only $35, wil brighten up even the most sressful exam day while leaving enough leftover to also get something like this double heart pendant for $30.

Or, for fun nights out she might look at this fantastically dramatic Pearl Drop Necklace, now on sale for only $47.50. Wear that with a V neck top, and the college boys won’t know what hit ‘em.

Dear Leslie,
I have been browsing through your site and I noticed you often post on jewelry care. What about watches? Is there anything special I should do to care for my watch?
Ryan in Milwaukee

Ryan, I assume that you are referring to a mechanical watch (the kind you wind). Most watch manufacturers suggest bringing mechanical watches in to be serviced at a professional jeweler or watch-maker every three to five years, in order for all of the parts to be checked and any that are worn out to be replaced.

If you are referring to a quartz watch like this one, however, the maintenance needs are far fewer. (Digital watches, though less elegant, require virtually no service at all). All that most quartz watches require, is that they be cleaned for dirt whenever the batteries are changed.

As a general pointer, it is advisable to keep your watch (like this one seen above) away from extreme heat or cold as most watches perform most accurately when kept at room temperature.

Another thing to be aware of with watches, is that although now most mechanical watches are designed to be shock resistant, it is still preferable to wear a quartz watch when participating in contact sports.

The third sign of the zodiac, Gemini, a masculine sign, is ruled by the planet Mercury, considered to be the messenger of the gods.

Known to be quick-witted in conversation, Geminis are intellectually inclined, forever probing people and places in search of information. They love to share that information later on with others and are supremely interested in developing their relationships.

But beware! Geminis are often restless, easily bored and become frustrated when things move too slowly for their taste. Symbolized by the sign of the twins, Geminis are able to see both sides of an issue and adapt easily to different situations. Known to be masters of multi-tasking, the lungs and arms are the body parts most associated with this sign.

Famous Geminis include Bob Dylan, Anne Heche and Stevie Nicks.

Since Geminis are known for their shapely arms, bracelets are the perfect accessory.
Bracelets with bangles are the best bet, as they both highlight the shape of the arm and the extra bangle will be sure to attract a Gemini’s ever-active imagination.

Ice.com also has a lovely Gemini sign necklace in their enchantment collection, a must-have for diamond-loving Gemini.

Dear Leslie,
Our oldest son is about to graduate high school and we would like to buy him something to mark the occasion. My sister bought her daughter a pearl necklace when she graduated, but what do you get for a boy?
Laura in Chicago

Watches are always a nice gift for a man. A high school graduate may not want something too fancy, but watches with leather bands provide a classy look for college while still maintaining a casual appeal.

Alternatively, there are plenty of watches with colored watch-faces to choose from, if your son’s style is more sporty. My own son owns a Croton yellow sports watch with a sleek black wrist band and loves it. At less than $100, this watch is quite the bargain!

You can also take the best of both worlds, by combining leather with color, as in this Swarovski crystal watch with a blue leather band.

For the more traditionally minded graduate, there is this classic Bulova watch (seen to the left), that is sure to impress both during college and in the years to follow.

Dear Leslie,
Now that spring has finally arrived, I would like to lighten up my wardrobe. I have seen all these lovely pastel outfits at local retailers and want to know if you would be able to recommend jewelry to match – I’m thinking something delicate and colorful that would go with the new lightweight suits I am buying for work.
Cheryl in Milburn

There are plenty of lightweight, colorful necklaces out there which are a perfect match for pastel suits. In addition, the fact that they are “light” make them ideal to wear in an office environment. Although most of these necklaces stand on their own, a good pair of earrings can add dramatically to the overall look. I recently came across a stunning pair of pear shaped blue earrings that would look perfect on those days when you just have to wear your hair up.

Necklaces are more tricky; if they are too heavy, or if they hug your neck too tightly, they may become burdensome in the heat. If done right, however, a necklace can make your outfit, be it a work-suit, a dinner party dress or a casual sundress.

I especially love this charming multi-gemstone drop necklace , which will fall lightly around your neck and won’t feel burdensome even on the hottest days of summer.

Pendants are also a good choice, such as this breathtaking rose quartz diamond-shaped necklace. This particular necklace happens to come with an equally adorable matching ring

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

Dear Leslie,
My ex and I are giving it another try. I want to do things right this time and sweep her off her feet. What do you suggest that would send her the right message to a hip, stylish, sentimental girl?
Josh in Pitsberg

The first thing that comes to mind is this romantic LOVE necklace. The attention to detail in the necklace, including the elegant serif font, the sparkling diamonds and heart shaped O reflect the sentiment of the giver.

Another option is on of the toggle heart tag bracelets or necklaces that are so in vogue right now. This one

For a fancier heart themed option, look at this stunning Diamond Heart Pendant, which comes is 1/4 carat or 1 carat options, to suit your budget

Ice.com products were nicely featured alongside other hot deals in the May 2005 issue of Lucky Magazine.

In conjuction with Lucky, Ice.com is giving away 10 Diamond Shopping Sprees worth $1,000 each. For that much, you could actually get all three deco-style featured items; the Sapphire and Diamond Ring, the Diamond Neckalce and the Drop Diamond Earrings. Show up to your next dinner date in that ensable and watch the whole resturant turn their heads to see fashionable, sparkling you.

What’s more, the day you enter the contest you can save 20% off any purchace at Ice by typing in “luckymag” at checkout.

So go ahead, sign up for your chance to win now!

When speaking with friends and acquaintances, I’ve noticed that many women are unaware of how to properly care for their gold jewelry so I decided to post a few pointers.

Fist of all, it is important to know when to take it off. I know women who never remove their wedding rings, no matter what the circumstances. This is misplaced sentiment, however, as many activities such as sports, housework and gardening are likely to bring the ring into contact with destructive chemicals which will eat away at the gold and eventually make it unwearable. Additionally,chlorine and other disinfectant chemicals found in hot tubs and swimming pools can react to the alloys in gold and result in discoloration.

When you do remove your gold jewelery, you should wrap it in a soft cloth and keep it away from both costume jewellery and sunlight as sunlight can dim the gold’s glow.

Gold jewellery should be cleaned with a soft, non-abrasive material and soft, lint free cloth. There are cleaning solutions available which I would recommend for delicate or intricately carved gold pieces.

As a final word of advice, I would recommend occasional (once every year or two) visits to your local jeweler for a professional cleaning and inspection. With the proper care, your gold can last a lifetime.

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

Dear Leslie,
I have been noticing chandelier earrings on a lot of Hollywood starlets lately. I am quite enamored of the style and would like to know where I can find a pair and if there are any rules for wearing them?
Deborah in Madison

Chandelier earrings can indeed be seen swaying from the ears of celebrities ranging from Jennifer Lopez to Nicole Kidman to Natalie Portman. These earrings are at once elegant and sexy and can add a touch of glamour to even the most mundane of outfits.

Best worn with up-swept hair and a low neckline, chandelier earring emphasize the wearer’s neck and shoulders. You can choose from the classic, such as this pearl and diamond pair, to the bohemian, including this enticing pair, in which the luster of the gold is enhanced by the blue topaz beads.

If you are looking for a pair to wear to dressy occasions, I would suggest a pair in yellow gold and diamonds, as they are sure to enliven your outfit and add a sparkle to your face.

For more casual occasions, I would suggest a more colorful combination, such as this ruby and sapphire combo.

Whatever you choose, you are sure to shine.

Originally published on Just Ask Leslie

Here’s Ice.com featured in the May issue of Self Magazine.

Here’s the deal; sign up for The Self Challenge 2005 to get in a workout routine that’ll have you fit for beach weather. When you do, you’ll be registering to win one of these beautiful Diamond Pendant necklaces that Ice.com is giving away every day this month in a special promotion. How’s that for incentive to work out?

Exercise in the morning, wear your new necklace all day. You’ll be looking and feeling beautiful in no time!