“Jewelry’s Shining Stars” by Beth Bernstein

Now for those of you who are my dedicated readers (many thanks), you know that I instantly had a jewelry-soul-sister connection when I read “A Charmed Life” by Beth Bernstein. Fast forward to Las Vegas this past spring, and Beth and I got to know each other a bit in person, bumping into each other at various designers’ booths at both the Couture and JCK jewelry shows. It’s amazing how we seem to gravitate to so many of the same designers, admiring what they are creating amidst the global jewelry market.

Well I’m thrilled to announce that Beth has a stunning coffee table book coming out later this September, Jewelry’s Shining Stars, published by Fine Points Publishing.

jewelry's shining stars


She selected 38 independent jewelry designers who have “created a unique and distinctive imprint on contemporary jewelry.” You may recognize some of the names, as I’ve had the privilege to interview them, from Borgioni to Megan Thorne to Vibe’s to Amali. And I’m so excited to read about some of the designers that I’ve yet to interview. Take a look at these pieces by some of the featured designers.

Katey Brunini
Katey Brunini

Lauren Wolf
Lauren Wolf

Todd Reed
Todd Reed

Beth, a jewelry-a-holic since childhood, “concentrated on (a) group of small and independent designers who have made an indelible mark with their signature styles, each which distinguishes them from their peers and predecessors.” And from what I have seen from those featured designers I know, she couldn’t have selected a more innovative, passionate group of people. Their talent is limitless, and their lines are amazing. These designers have “learned the rules in order to bend them.” Love that!

I also admire how Beth looks at jewelry in relation to personal style. It’s not all about having the latest and greatest trend. Rather, it’s getting to know what makes you tick as a woman. She encourages women to, “think of jewelry as an extension of their personal style, rather than statements of status.” In my book, that’s spot-on advice!

Beth’s book is set to release September 26th, so reserve your copy now! I know that I have!

“My Charmed Life” Book Review and Giveaway

When I first heard about My Charmed Life by Beth Bernstein, I knew I had to read it! In this memoir, she shares her life story through the jewelry she wore, from “rocky romances, precious family connections and searching for a band of gold.” While I knew that I would certainly enjoy the story, I had no idea how much I’d resonate with her feelings, her stories, and how powerful jewelry is in ones life story. In fact, many times I felt like I was reading from the pages of my own life!

my charmed life by beth bernstein
I thoroughly enjoyed this book!

Simply the introduction brought tears to my eyes, as she described a ziploc baggie of jewelry she was handed as her mother unexpectedly passed away. I can only imagine such heartache and grief…and then reliving all the memories that each special piece in the bag carries with it. Personally, I know that each time I wear my grandmother’s opal ring or my Nonie’s engagement ring, I feel as if they’re right there next to me. Images flash before my eyes of our times together.

I just adored the chapter about her wanting to get her ears pierced, and her only ally in the “grand scheme” was her much-loved grandmother. It was written with such young feminine angst that I could honestly feel her deepest yen to get them pierced. (But I won’t tell you how that chapter turned out!) I was emotionally right there with her when growing up, as my dad forbid me to pierce my ears until college graduation, threatening to stop paying my tuition. Luckily, when I tempted fate and went through with it my sophomore year, he didn’t make good on that threat. 😉

The way Beth describes her relationship with her niece, Sammie (and later her nephews) is purely magical. She made a gorgeous jewelry box for her to celebrate her birth. As she states on pg. 172, “I wanted to be the first person to purchase her jewelry that she would cherish and remember later on, and that would connect us as it had my grandmother, mom and me.” I, too, gave my niece a jewelry box for her birth, and deemed myself “the jewelry aunt.”

I feel like the author and myself have lived somewhat parallel lives when I read lines such as, “…while I was multitasking — flipping through fashion magazines, writing an article on buying estate jewelry and perusing profiles on Match.com.” Seriously?! I’m not the only one? In fact, much of the book is dedicated to the different relationships Beth has had in her life, and I admire her penchant for foreign men and taking that risk. Her romances take her all over the globe, and in each one, there is a jewelry story as well.

It was through her life experiences that she really found the joy in self-gifting, which you know I’m a huge proponent of! On pg. 197 she reveals, “I learned that it might be easier to find the right ring than the right man.” Oh, how true, sister! Thus began her fabulous practice of self-gifting, with a lovely platinum and diamond eternity band. I completely agree with what she says on pg. 199, “I’ve joined the growing ranks of self-purchasing women who are in touch with their tastes, more confident about their personal styles and know they’ve worked hard and are worth it.”

Well you, my dear readers, are worth it as well. And while I encourage all of you to buy and read this delightful book (because I know you’ll love it!), I do have ONE autographed copy available for you to win! So enter the contest below, and best of luck to you all!

a Rafflecopter giveaway