FIRE AND ICE

This piece is a combination of the coolness of "ice" (the slang name for diamonds which these gigantic faceted glass gumballs resemble in high sunlight) and the warmth of faceted peacock glass roundels. The pink/purple/blue iridescence is a real hot-cha-cha contrast which is why this necklace works so well. There's just enough glitz and just enough mystery to ignite some fire and ice. Price: $110.

CARVING UP SUNSHINE

Finally! I've gotten a chance to use the few carved carnelian beads that I have left with the remainder of the Chinese turquoise with the copper veining. I love carnelian because of its variations in color -- from the very light toasty tones of these beads to the incredibly deep, dark and mysterious rust of the carnelian I have in an antique signet ring. That's the thing about carnelian: it's soft enough to be used in intaglio etched cabachon or to be manipulated into really interesting shaped beads, like these fluted ones. Besides which, carnelian is my birthstone and I've always been drawn to oranges and reds. What Leo isn't? Price: $120.

ACCENT ON CLASSIC

Transparency is the name of the game with the smoky topaz quartz beads in this necklace. They almost don't look real, but believe me, they are. Sometimes smoky quartz is very, very pale, letting a lot of light through. They're a marked contrast to the substantial looking Chinese turquoise beads with the copper veining. There is a lot going on in this necklace, but you just don't notice it. But what a wonderful kicker for a cream silk shirt or a brown or khaki jacket. Price: $175.00

THE SHELL GAME

Whenever I see these beautiful shell pendants, I try to buy them. They're so elegant but fascinating. This particular one is not as big and bold as the usual ones I get; it's more delicate and lent itself to a longer strand. I picked up the browns with faceted smoky topaz barrels. I've had those beads for a long time; they're very special and came from the cache of beads that my friend Karen Riley gave me. The turquoise is part of the strand of Chinese mottled turq that has provided beads for the next three pieces. It's finally finished (it was one of those flapper necklaces that just went on forever and ever). There are large almost rust-colored Swarovski crystals in here as well as some silver. The clasp is an unobtrusive sterling hook and eye. Price: $205.00

Electric Lady Land

When I first bought these, I thought they were either very opaque carnelian (no, that stone is transluscent) or agate, but no: They're brick red jasper. And a very vivid shade, at that. Are they orange red (yes, probably); but closer to brick. The silver and faceted Swarovski crystal beads set off the red beautifully. A perfect piece for the Leos on your list. $250.

The Light of the Orient

Lapis Lazuli usually comes from Afghanistan, but I think these are Chinese Lapis because Afghani Lapis is very rare now (for obvious reasons) and quite expensive. These beads are a beautiful color and are quite reasonable. I set them off with faceted crystal rounds and hung a glass and silver pendant.

A Chunk of Glamour

Nothing is so classic as black and white, in this case, faceted Czech glass faceted roundels accenting huge faceted clear glass gumballs. It's very simple but spectacular in presentation. Not all that heavy, by the way. These are glass, not stone. I love the rhinestone clasp which is a screw fastener, not a magnet. Note to self: get some more of those.

Hearts Made of Glass

How I love these smoky faceted glass hearts. The gray is so subtle, I originally thought these were clear glass. They they aren't. And with the Czech fire-polished faceted beads, they are spectacular. I should have bought more of them. I love how tailored and yet, how mysterious this piece is. A bit of whimsy in a corporate situation, something wonderful to wear out at night under a spotlight. The facets will sparkle.

SOLD

Bluer Than Blue Lapis Lazuli

I've never considered myself a 'blue" person. I'm more attracted to reds, rubies and oranges. But the blue in this Lapis choker (it's probably 19-20" long) is so intense, I think it's absolutely gorgeous. The clasp is gold-tone metal with a sparkle of rhinestones; it's also magnetized which means you just put the separate pieces near each other and they attach. Great for trying to close it from the back of your neck. Lapis Lazuli is a wonderful classic staple. Everyone should have at least one Lapis piece in their jewelry box. It's wearable and is a very healing stone. Or so says my woo-woo friends who always carry a piece of Lapis in a pocket.

A Little Flash, a Lot of Class

I love how these Czech fire-polished peacock roundels pick up the striations in the Chinese turquoise. They also pick up light something fierce. I've always considered myself a human Mynah bird, attracted to all things flashy and glittery. . . which this piece has in abundance. The turquoise calms it down a bit, but the Czech beads are wonderful little light sources.