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The first time you see a piece of jewelry by designer Polly Wales you will feel like you discovered a hidden treasure. Her creations, that consist of colorful gemstones melting into rich gold, invoke a certain longing inside… the longing to carry with you a piece of magic everyday. No matter where you are, no matter how long a day you’ve had, looking down at your hand and seeing a Polly Wales ring on your finger will no doubt refill you with a sense joy and inspiration.

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We had the pleasure to host Danielle Miele from Gem Gossip last week as she did her #jewelryroadtrip to Chicago!  It was a blast to meet her and her husband (who takes many of the pics of her wearing the jewels) 

Click on the link below to read the article:

http://gemgossip.com/home/2017/4/19/gem-gossip-visits-gem-jewelry-boutique-in-chicago-il.html

beautiful lucy 1911-2012

Some of you may or may not know that the inspiration behind Gem and my love of jewelry is my grandmother, Lucile. She would pull me aside at every visit and plop me in front of her jewelry box telling me the story of each piece she held in her hands.  These rich stories, each with their own unique viewpoint, awakened in me a deep appreciation for the meaning behind the jewelry in her jewelry box and in her life. A ring she purchased in Germany from when she and my grandfather came to visit me when I was born; the pendant she found when driving along the mississippi river and purchased from a road side dealer; the bracelet my grandfather gave her when she turned 80: each month for a year she received a charm in the mail engraved with a flower and a love sentiment on the back. This is why people love jewelry-it holds memories that continue with each generation…

Why is jewelry unique? What makes it wonderful? Isn't there usually a sentiment beyond the beauty and sparkle of the piece that transcends the fact that it's just gold, or diamonds or even costume jewelry for that matter. Isn't jewelry more than just the investment of the piece monetarily but the passion and emotion that it evokes?

What gem hopefully inspires in us and in you, is the fact that the piece you carry away with you really means something to you whether you keep it for your own collection or give it as a gift.

We are starting this blog in hopes that you will be inspired by the delicate allure jewelry holds and the stories it tells for generations and beyond…everybody likes to take away a piece of a story that touches them.

Lucy in the sky—my grandmother from above whom I feel still watches over me-her husband Al, my grandfather who gave her many of these precious jewels…

we are: Lou and Al and this is our blog!

Lou and Al

I am very excited to be adding designer Ten Thousand Things to Gem! I have been an admirer of their work for about 20 years and credit them for inspiring me to learn how to make jewelry. Their delicate and incredibly detailed beading is truly exquisite and unique. We will keep you posted on the arrival of these gorgeous pieces!

Mala bead necklaces from Victoria Cunningham. Each is one of a kind, hand strung onto mother of pearl, turquoise and labradorite. The prayer beads feature a buddha or goddess hand carved from ancient mammoth ivory. A ruby is set into the forehead. Visit or call for more information on these truly one of a kind necklaces!

Source: victoria cunningham mala bead necklaces

Mother's day is another holiday for some, a day to reflect for others and a day in which a gift is required for most…

It has become a personal day for me and the older I get the more I appreciate the day..

children are a gift. being a mother is a blessing. It should be honored every day but just the fact that it is honored on this day is perfect.  xoxo

enjoy your kids!