For most people in Mexico and many people around the world, the word silver is most associated with the hillside city of Taxco (pronounced tahs-ko). Perched along the mountainside at 5,000 feet, Taxco de Alarcón, as it's officially known, offers incredible views from almost any location. For the traveler there are the narrow and often hidden cobblestone streets and alleys, full of eateries and lodgings.  Since the mid 1700s, silver mines have been in operation (although only one is open today).  Taxco is the world's capital of silver, with over 200 shops and dozens of renowned silver jewelers.  Shoppers from all over Mexico and tourists alike, go there to see the greatest quantity and variety of silver objects.

Set down your luggage; you needn’t go to Mexico to get Taxco jewelry.  ZuluMoon offers a selection of Taxco jewelry on their site!  My favorites, among them, are this charming little Sterling Silver Enamel Kitty Cat Pin and this Handmade Horse Bracelet.  Read the product descriptions for each one; I think you will really appreciate the artisan pride and quality craftsmanship that is put into each piece. 

 

        

(Tourism source info: www.MexOnline.com) 

         

Winter, your days are numbered!  The official start of Spring is March 20, giving us thirty-two days left to scratch off on our calendars until the blessed day.  Spring is generally known to be a time of renewal and happiness, as nature renews itself and seedlings begin to sprout into plants, the days become longer (and warmer), and many animals are known to start new generations of families.

If you have to suffer through a bit more wintry weather, with all its iced-over car windows, bundling up, and frigid feet at nighttime, why not give yourself a visual reminder throughout the day that Spring is coming and will soon be in full bloom?  Wear some flower-themed jewelry.  After all, ZuluMoon has plenty for you to choose from.  Some pieces I would like to highlight include this multi-gemstone sterling silver filigree ring, this sterling silver double-flower and butterfly ring (how serene!), and this sweetly simple pink and white CZ flower pendant. 

 

                

If you are a fan of canines, then you are very well aware that the Westminster Kennel Club just held its 2009 Dog Show, and that “Stump” the Sussex Spaniel was named Best in Show.  This is WKC’s 133^rd year to hold the event, an annual spectator favorite even for people who aren’t “dog people”.  My favorite winner was 2001’s “Special Times Just Right”, a Bichon Frise.

2009 Winner:  2001 Winner:

What does this have to do with jewelry, you ask?  ZuluMoon.com offers an array of dog-themed jewelry items, including earrings, necklaces, charms, and more.  Below are a few highlights in honor of the 2009 Best in Show Winner: an enamel dog charm with moveable head and body, and a sterling silver spaniel charm. 

 

             

 

 

In ZuluMoon’s collection of Bali Jewelry, you will find this invigorating Fossilized Coral pendant.  It is so beautiful in color, and even though it carries a tale of ancient fossilized history, it also has a very young-at-heart and energetic radiance about it.   The accent stones are amethyst and moonstone, highlighting the trace elements and minerals in the coral stone.

To view details about the pendant, click here.

 

Isn’t it fantastic that you can be inspired by the latest jewelry looks on fashion runways and then find an affordable option on ZuluMoon?  For instance, take a look at this runway earring trend, as seen in the Armani Prive fashion show in Paris.  Long, chandelier style earrings are still the rage and hot for spring.

ZuluMoon has a range of chandelier earrings for you to choose from, and I recommend the Roped CZ Chandelier Earrings pictured below, made of sterling silver and cubic zirconia, which hang 2.25 inches long.  It is a bold and flashy look, perfect for a woman who wants extra sparkle and attention.  If it’s a bit too attention-grabbing for your tastes, check out the link above for other options.

Perhaps you’re the kind of man who likes to take things slow.  Really slow.  There’s nothing wrong with that, but sometimes those progressive phases in your boy-girl relationships can get a little fuzzy.  Whereas other men might go through phases like: 1. Strangers 2. Acquaintances 3. Boyfriend/Girlfriend, you require a lot more.  1. Strangers 2. Strangers Who Notice Each Other 3. Acquaintances 4. Friendly-Like  5. Friends 6. Possibly More Than Friends…and the list goes on and on.

So, you are stuck with an awkward situation when you want to buy something nice for your lady-friend, without forcing things into the next phase.  You just want to remind her that you care for her, that you appreciate her, in a way that is possibly a little romantic but definitely not over the top.  ZuluMoon has got the perfect solution for you, Mr. Non-Committal.  Get her a claddagh ring  with a gemstone for that added loving touch.  Claddagh rings are very symbolic, as mentioned in the Dec 28 2008 blog. “The heart symbolizes love, of course; the hands correspond to friendship, and the crown conveys loyalty.  When the three symbols are put together, the message as a whole could read Let Friendship and Love Reign Forever.”  Isn't that beautiful?

She may like the amethyst stone claddagh, or this claddagh with malachite inlay.

                       

Eva Mendes could choose anything, absolutely anything, to accent her white Dior evening gown at the Golden Globe Awards.  What would you choose?  As you see here, Ms. Mendes stunned the crowd with this beautiful turquoise collar necklace and coordinating earrings.  Turquoise, is of course, a beautiful and ancient natural mineral which appears in a range of colors from green to blue-green to bright aqueous blue.  While it was a common staple in ancient cultures, it still makes its way back into modern fashion, as seen in Ms. Mendes’ red carpet photo.

ZuluMoon carries hundreds of turquoise jewelry items for you to choose from.  Perhaps you like the triple-strand turquoise necklace as pictured below, or the double-strand roped necklace with the beautiful silver pendant detail.

                      

Continuing with the theme of gifts for your “sweetheart”, sorted by his/her personality traits, here are more ideas for the special woman in your life.

 

If your sweetheart is tenderhearted, timid, or introverted, then this slimline bangle with dainty open heart will be the perfect expression of love.  Although it is small and dainty, it lacks nothing: the heart contains genuine rubies and the bangle is plated with 18k gold.


Is your sweetheart especially sentimental?  Perhaps there is something particularly special that you share, such as a nickname, or a quote, or an anniversary date…?  Get it engraved on this beautiful and durable sterling silver key chain, and she will enjoy it day after day, for years to come.


Does your sweetheart have a tendency to doodle and scribble whenever she’s got a pen in her hand?  It is her capricious side trying to get out.  Give her a fun, whimsical, yet romantic gift: this lovely 16 inch sterling silver chain necklace with a whimsical heart pendant, held onto the chain with a smaller heart.  Your sweetheart is sure to embrace it…and you.


If your sweetheart is a bold woman, or at least she likes to wear bold jewelry, then this triple-strand necklace with large pave CZ heart pendant would make a wonderful gift and addition to her jewelry collection. - See all of the heart jewelry on the the sterling silver store zulumoon.com

Sometimes, it's hard to match anything to an offbeat color, such as the green dress by Ella Moss above, or a pop color in your wardrobe like the orange wrap dress from Banana Republic.  Many times, sterling silver is the answer, and the best balance is achieved when you choose a bold design, something more daring than short hoop earrings.

I love these high-polish french wire earrings below.  Not only are they silver, so they can color-coordinate with almost anything in one's closet, but the bold art-deco design is a strong enough force to be worn with an ultra-bold color such as the ones pictured above.

 

 

   

Gabrielle Union keeps the glitz and glam perfectly at bay with her great look at the premiere of Seven Pounds with her ensemble, with what I would call “understated glamour”.  Her dress is undoubtedly a formal gown, but it is a solid color, with simple, clean lines.  And, while this dress could be paired with diamonds and gems galore, Ms. Union chose a more casual range of jewelry, hence the “understated” look.  With formal wear, often the jewelry you wear suggests the level of formality. 

Ms. Union is wearing silver drop earrings, a set of silver bangles, and on her index finger a large black onyx or black enamel accented ring.    ZuluMoon.com carries a selection of black-accented silver rings such as the Marquis Black Onyx Scroll Ring , the Enamel Black/White Swirling Dome Ring, or the Black Onyx Button Ring.