Over three years ago I met a woman at a jewelry show who was interested in purchasing a turquoise frog ring.  She didn’t have the money right then, but gave me about $10 to hold it on layaway.  She said she was drawn to frogs.  She told me a sad tale of being in a rehab program for drug addiction.  She had been clean about 6 months but it was a hard road she was traveling.  She had been a successful attorney but the drug addiction had ruined her life and career.  After a month I called her about making another payment.  She said she couldn’t afford to purchase the ring after all.  I thought that was the end of that.

Fast forward to 2007.  I’m doing a 2-day jewelry show at a church.  I get a call the first night of my show from the same frog woman telling me that her rehab group met at the church and she saw my banner and recognized it.  We talked for a long time.  She said she was doing great in her recovery and had found a spiritual path to God that was helping her.  I was happy to hear such good news.  She asked if I still had the frog ring.  I said no, but that I did have some frog pendants.  We met in person and she bought a pretty frog pendant.  She said she was still very involved in her recovery program. 

Many months passed.  I came across a gorgeous handcrafted pearl necklace and earring set.  There was a frog pin with vintage leaf pins attached to the multi-stand pearl necklace.  It was big and showy and rather pricey.  I thought it was gorgeous and had to have it.  I had it for a few months before I remembered the “frog lady”.  I sent her an email with photos attached.  She said she loved it and wanted to see it.  We arranged a meeting.  She loved it and asked if we could do another layaway plan.  I said yes.  The only stipulation was that it had to be paid off within the year for tax purposes.  It has taken almost a year, but each month she has sent a check, getting closer and closer to her goal.

Today I received another check from her.  She asked me to call her with the balance.  I called and she said that her final check would be mailed in a few weeks.  She said late November would mark her 4 year anniversary of being clean and drug free.  She wants to wear the frog necklace then.  She said she is in the process of getting her law license reinstated.  I told her how proud I was of her and what she has accomplished.  As we were about to hang up, she said, “Do you know what FROG stands for?”  I said, “No.”  She said, “Fully Rely on God.”  

We both agree that things happen for a reason.  I believe the frog lady came into my life for a reason.  Her story has been an inspiration to me.  I asked her if I could share it with my blog readers.  She said of course.  She said I could use her real name in the blog.  I’ve chosen to call her the frog lady for her own privacy.  She speaks at jails and everywhere she thinks she can help people.

To the frog lady:  I value the talks we’ve had and admire you so much.  Happy 4 year Anniversary!  When I mail you the frog necklace, there will be an added gift in there from me to you.  Keep up the great work! 

The latest trend in rings is BIG and BOLD!!  I recently came across a fabulous line of designer inspired rings that have become a bit hit with the NFL wives at a recent charity event and with MTV.  These are exquisitely crafted sterling silver rings that have either been rodium plated or gold plated with genuine colored CZ stones.  These are gorgeous attention-getting rings that have the look of real gemstones at a fraction of the price.  You can check them out at cathyzjewelry.com in the “What’s New” page of my shopping cart.   Mention this blog and you will receive 10% off.

Tip of the Day:  

You too can be on the cutting edge of fashion wearing cathyZ Jewelry

What is Amber?

Amber is the fossilized resin from ancient forests. Amber is not produced from tree sap, but rather from plant resin. This aromatic resin can drip from and ooze down trees, as well as fill internal fissures, trapping debris such as seeds, leaves, feathers and insects. The resin becomes buried and fossilized through a natural polymerization of the original organic compounds.

Now you know a little more about the facts of amber .  I think wearing natural gemstones creates a feeling or “vibe” in the wearer.  I like how amber “feels” when I’m wearing it.  I know it sounds crazy to some, but wearing amber gives me a feeling of well being.  It makes me feel warm and grounded.  The rich color of amber with the pockets of air, trapped debris, etc., also makes amber visually interesting and fun to wear.  I always receive lots of compliments when I wear amber.  Wearing beautiful amber jewelry and receiving compliments is bound to make anyone feel good.

Tip of the Day:  Get that warm fuzzy feeling of well being by wearing amber today.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=200230729863

Last week our family took a vacation to the beach.  One day I was enjoying my morning coffee on the balcony of our condo overlooking the gorgeous Florida gulf coast.  All of a sudden the biggest dragonfly I’ve ever seen flew in the balcony and stayed there for about two minutes.  As I was watching it fly around, it brought back a memory of another dragonfly. 

In 2002 my mom had mentioned that she was looking for a large sterling silver dragonfly pin.  A few weeks later I spotted a HUGE gorgeous sterling silver dragonfly pin that had mother of pearl wings and an amber tail.  It was beautifully made.  I bought it for mom for Mother’s Day.  I started talking to the owner of the shop where I bought it and told him I’ve always wanted to be in the jewelry business.  I was literally just making conversation since I already had a job.  He said that this was his wife’s business and that maybe I would like to talk to her.  A few days later we met and talked about two hours.  Next thing I knew I was in the jewelry business and have loved every second of it. 

I have sold quite a few dragonfly pieces.  Dragonflys are associated with luck and good fortune.  I have a pair of unique dragonfly earrings that are so gorgeous.  They have clear moonstones with abalone on the back shining through the moonstones.  These are beautifully made in fine sterling silver.  The dragonfly that started it all has certainly brought me luck and good fortune.

Tip of the Day:

You can purchase these beautiful dragonfly earrings from my eBay store at:  http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200211970947&ssPageName=STRK:MESE:IT

It has been a long-time goal of mine to open an eBay store.  The store is now officially open and ready for business.  Granted, there aren’t many items in the store at the moment, but I am adding pieces daily.  It takes time.  Within a few weeks it should be a nice size store.  I am mainly going to carry jewelry, but I will also carry other various items.  eBay has been a passion of mine for a long time now.  My website will continue.  The eBay store is just another opportunity to reach a wider audience.  I hope you will check out my eBay store and pass it on to your friends. 

Tip of the Day:

Check out:   www.stores.ebay.com/cathyz-jewelry

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner.  Valentine’s chocolate goes right to the hips and flowers die within a week.  A gift of jewelry lasts forever.  You don’t have to spend a fortune to give a gift of beautiful jewelry.  We carry many unique gemstone pieces that are sure to please your sweetheart.  Gift certificates are available.  You can shop directly from the website at cathyzjewelry.com.  If you live in the Tampa/St. Pete area, call 813-968-8941 to make an appointment to view the entire inventory of cathyZ Jewelry.   A woman without jewelry is like a night without stars.

Tip of the Day:

A gift certificate to cathyZ Jewelry is always a welcome gift.

My Fall/Winter show season is ending next week.  Then I can concentrate on entering new pieces of jewelry into the website on a regular basis.  For those of you who met me at a show and can’t find the piece you are interested in on the website, email or call me and I will make sure that piece is listed on the site.

I have noticed a trend among my customers this season.  People are buying a lot of coral, but the best seller has been freshwater pearls by far.  I have sold every color of freshwater pearls and people are flocking to the multi-strand necklaces.  Pearls are timeless.  Freshwater pearls are very affordable and more interesting visually than cultured pearls, in my opinion.   I have included a photo of a fabulous sterling silver flower necklace with multi-strands of dark freshwater pearls.  This handcrafted set is stunning.

I would like to say thank you to all my wonderful customers, especially my “regulars”.  You are my best form of advertisement.  I hope you all have a happy holiday season. 

Tip of the day:

If you cannot afford natural black pearls, consider the dyed pearls.  They are still a real pearl,  just more affordable.  The dye will not come off either.

Do you need a personal shopper?  On October 26th - 28th I will be on a buying trip.  I am going to a big wholesale jewelry show with fabulous vendors from around the country.  This show features every type of jewelry from high end diamonds to dollar store jewelry and everything in between.  My main purpose on this upcoming trip is to shop for diamonds for two customers.  I have done this quite a few times throughout the years.  I am able to buy high quality diamonds at a huge savings to the customer.  I also have special requests from good customers to find them specific items to match what they already own.  Let me do your holiday jewelry shopping for you.  Just give me a call at 813-968-8941 before Oct. 26th.  Let me know what you are looking for.  Hopefully I can find it for you. 

Tip of the Day:

Enjoy a stress-free holiday by making me your personal jewelry shopper.

Hi All,

My Fall/Winter holiday craft show schedule is starting.  Here are the dates I have booked so far.  Get a head start on your holiday shopping, or treat yourself to some beautiful jewelry.

Oct. 6    -    Aston Gardens Senior Living Community Clubhouse (in Westchase).  Sat.,  9am - 2pm.  It is being held in conjunction with Westchase’s community annual yard sale. 

Oct. 26-28   -  Wholesale buying trip.  Let me know if you need anything from diamonds to costume jewelry.

Nov. 1          -  Home show at Susan Steel’s  - (private).  Thurs., 5:30 - 8:30pm.  

Nov. 2 & 3   -  Palma Ceia United Methodist Church.  Fri.,  9am - 6pm, Sat., 9am - 2pm.

Nov. 8 & 9   -   St. Andrews Church.  Thurs & Fri.,  11am - 2pm

Nov. 15  -   Emerald Green Golf & Country Club.  Thursday, 5pm - 9pm.  (Members only)

Nov. 17  -   St. Tim’s Church.  Saturday, 9am - 4pm.

Nov. 18  -  Christ the King Church.  Sunday, 8:30 am - 2pm.

Nov. 26  -  Tampa Yacht Club.  Monday, 10am - 3pm.   (Members only)

Nov. 27  -   St. Pete Yacht Club.  Tuesday, 2pm - 7pm.  (Members only)

Dec. 1     -   Red Cross Gingerbread Show (Plant Hall).  Sat., (Times to be announced.)

Dec. 6     -   Home Show at Kathy Owen’s - (private).  Thurs. 4:30 - 7:30pm.

If you would like to book a home show and earn your jewelry free, please call 813-968-8941.  For those who don’t live in the Tampa/St. Pete area, as always, you can order off the website at www.cathyzjewelry.com. 

Take care and hope to see you at the shows.

Tip of the Day:

To make your jewelry stand out, wear solid color clothing versus prints.

If the label reads Coach, David Yurman, or (fill in the blank) do you think the quality is better than a lesser known brand?   The teenagers in our area are all wearing Hollister shirts.  Hollister is selling the cool California surfer look and lifestyle.  In my opinion, the quality of the clothing is no better or worse than any other brand.  

The jewelry industry, especially the diamond industry, counts on name recognition.  Tiffany & Co. is a perfect example.  You are paying top dollar for the same diamond you can buy cheaper elsewhere.  You are paying extra for the blue box and the bragging rights.  I would rather have the extra money in my pocket.  David Yurman jewelry is another example.  Yurman pieces are sterling silver, gemstones and bits of gold.  It is nice quality jewelry but overpriced, in my opinion.  Again, you are paying the high price for the Yurman name.  

I think as smart consumers we need to educate ourselves and shop around.  Just because there is a fancy label on something, doesn’t always mean the quality is better.  For instance, did you know that Mabelline mascara has been rated the number one mascara by a leading group of makeup artists?  Mabelline mascara can be bought in your local grocery store.  It is not expensive.  For health reasons, mascara should be thrown out every six to eight weeks, so why pay the price for expensive department store mascara.

A friend who only buys name brand jewelry showed me her newest purchase, a Lagos ring with the “finest quality” diamond.  She asked my opinion on the diamond.  When I checked with a loop, it didn’t even appear to be a diamond.  It looked like a poor quality of glass full of air bubbles.  She thought that just because it had the Lagos name that she was getting a quality product.  There are also many knock-offs out there.  Regardless of labels, become an educated comparison shopper. 

Tip of the Day:

Ignore trends and labels - Buy what you like and look for quality.