ask colleen
A place to learn and be heard

Colleen's Top Ten List

As the temperatures start to cool down...The world of jewelry is heating up! I just spent the last week in New York City doing a little "trend research" (any excuse to visit the Big Apple and do a little retail therapy!). I've compiled a list of my Top Ten jewelry "must haves" for Fall 2008....With all the scene stealing designs and mesmerizing colors, it's our season to sparkle!

  1. STATEMENT NECKLACES
    Large, bold, gem-intensive styles rule this fall. Whether you're wearing a crisp white shirt, a v-neck T or a little black dress....Throw caution to the wind and wear one big necklace or pendant for dramatic impact! Shop necklaces

  2. PURPLE REIGNS
    A blast of color in any shade of purple will make for big impact this fall! Amethyst, Tanzanite, Purple Jade, Kunzite and Lavender pearls are just of few of the choices if you want to add fall's top color to your wardrobe. Amethyst is one of our top selling stones and HSN.com countless choices (check out Deb Guyot's amethyst necklaces and bracelets - gorgeous!). Shop purple jewelry

  3. FALL FLORALS
    Flower Power rules this season! Pave flower rings, leaves, vine swirls....anything found in the garden (including the critters!) are in full bloom for Fall. I have some personal favorites coming in November for My Favorite Things including a heart-pounding chocolate diamond flower ring I can't wait to show you!

  4. COCKTAIL RINGS
    Be a "ring master" with a new signature ring! Look for unique gems and interesting carvings with designs that range from vintage to modern....and enjoy them on the rocks! My personal pick for fall is a gorgeous carved turquoise floral ring that will be featured 11/24 at midnight....Don't miss it!! Shop rings

  5. IT'S ABOUT TIME
    With all the watches I have in my collection - I should always be on time! Choose a new watch this fall that features an oversized face (for fashion and function) and your favorite metallic finish....silver, gold, chocolate, gunmetal or rose gold....Even if you're not on time, you'll look fashionably late! Shop watches

  6. BLUE JEWELRY
    From Sapphires to Turquoise and everything in-between, Blue jewelry is the rage for fall. Blue looks great with most colors and coordinates perfectly with fall's purple fashions...Sing the Blues! Shop blue jewelry

  7. GO GLOBAL
    Ancient replicas and African and Eastern inspired designs are showing up everywhere for fall! Look for bold cuffs, intricate pendants, jeweled chandelier earrings and Cleopatra-worthy necklaces to bring out your inner Egyptian Goddess.

  8. BLACK BEAUTY
    Black pearls, black diamonds, black onyx, vintage marcasite, smokey quartz and jet beads will add drama, mystery and a little black magic to your fall wardrobe! Shop black jewelry

  9. GO FOR THE GOLD
    A fashion fave, gold is everywhere this season! From fabrics to accessories, the metallic mood swept the catwalks for fall. Whether you choose 14K gold, vermeil or Technibond - give your fall jewelry collection the gilded touch. Shop gold jewelry

  10. PEARLS, PEARLS, PEARLS
    I think pearls are irresistible!! The pearls this season have never looked more beautiful and choices and colors abound! From bold and playful layers, to sleek and modern classics....Pearls may just become our new best friend this season! Shop pearls
There you have it, my Top 10 List for Fall 2008.
Whatever your taste or style, with all these fabulous choices get ready to shine, shine, shine!

Answers to Questions (updated 10/20/2008)
 
Hello Rita in Texas!   Thanks for all your great feedback.  Regarding the Prestige Boxes:  I will discuss your idea for a larger box (6 drawer) with our design team.  Right now  the largest we offer is two drawer, so it would be nice to offer a larger box with more storage space.  Also, I will pass along your idea for a "skinny" bangle design...with slots for the bangles (I like this concept).  Finally, thanks for helping another customer, Granny from IL,  with your advice about clip earrings - we're all here to share ideas and suggestions....Thank you, Rita!
 
Dear Carrie in OR...I feel your "pain" regarding your "terminal disease" called Jewelry!  Those of us who are true jewelry "addicts" have to stick together!  Thank you for sharing your passion with me and all the wonderful women in your life...I hope to get to meet you one day!  
 
Howdy ML in Texas!  The heart watch is one of my faves....I'll check with our buyer to see if we can reorder it for you....Sounds like you love heart jewelry as much as I do!
 
Hi Melinda in MS...It's always heartbreaking to lose a favorite piece of jewelry....I will let our Technibond buyer, Adrienne, know that you "need" to have this one brought back!
 
Hey Debra in IL -  Bronzite is sometimes called Golden Pyrite....A beautiful bronze stone with flecks of gold.  Enjoy your beautiful bracelet (so gorgeous for fall!).
 
Hello Maxine in CA!  So sorry you didn't receive part of your Rock Candy necklace order...they sold faster than we expected and many customers didn't receive their orders.  I apologize for your inconvenience.  We are expecting our next shipment on November 24th (we have our first Silver Gallery Today's Special on this  day!).
I can't wait!!
 
Hey Liv in CA -  The sweater you are asking about is one I've tried to bring in for My Favorite Things, but I was not happy with the sample when it arrived.  I promise I'm working on it, but I want  it to be perfect.  We do have a two hour show with all "My Favorite Things Fashions" coming up on November 12th at 8pm.  If you like my cream sequin sweater, I promise you will find several things you will love in this show...Hope you can watch!
 
Warm Greeting to Betty in FL!  Thanks for taking the time to "connect" and for your kind words :)  I promise to work on a "wow" lapis necklace for  you....Maybe we'll call it the "Betty Necklace"!  Stay tuned, friend!
 
Mae in OR...You've warmed my heart.  I feel lucky to have you as a viewer and customer - enjoy your new treasures!
 
Hi Gale -   It's always hilarious to hear a male's perspective when it comes to our jewelry....For those of you who missed it - my producer referred to a lovely multi-strand, multi- gem necklace as the "tangled fishing line" necklace!   Thanks for sharing these crazy moments with me ~  It always feels good to laugh :)
 
I'll be back soon to answer more questions....
Take care and keep shining!
Fondly,
Colleen
jewelry insider picks
Colleen's recommendations
 
Deb Guyot Amethyst Nugget Bracelet
CL by Design Blue Lapis Sterling Silver 2-Tone Ring
HSN Price: $169.90
Amy Kahn Russell Tiger Eye Necklace
HSN Price: $159.90
» shop all jewelry

     ADD YOUR COMMENTS

(26 comments for Top Ten List)

Laura, AZ 11/09/2008
Hi Colleen... I love all of your jewelry items...Please don't forget about us gold girls... while silver is nice, I still like gold. Also I hope to see more clothing items available... it seems there is a limited amount you bring in... hopefully you will be able to expand the line. Love all of your items. Keep up the good work. Consider a handbag line too!!!
› report if inappropriate
 
Linda, NY 11/08/2008
Hi Colleen,I was wondering if/when we could look forward to another trunk show? Those items were gorgeous to look at, even if we couldn't afford them.
› report if inappropriate
 
your jewelry de, IL 11/08/2008
hello colleen please-help-when did you say that you would have the jewelry-loop-on your-show???thank-you,so,much..love-love your-show...
› report if inappropriate
 
lois, IL 11/08/2008
hello colleen,and a big thank-you for being on with,adriene,and her real collectables-you and adriene,both are a team together,as you both explain everything so-well,as you both love jewelry,an it shows..i ordered 2 of the crystal,station stretch-bracelets #378-587,as it looks like italian jewelry.and also the canary-ring#378382.her jewelry-is perfect in color,and both of you know what we-like...i look forward to her show,and the price is right...and the quality-can't,be beat...again thank-you t
› report if inappropriate
 
Pam, OH 10/30/2008
Colleen, was your My Favorite Things show really moved to Nov. 9? I just checked your schedule to get the time for your Nov. 12 show and it indicates the show is now on November 9. Just want to double check so I can mark my calendar accordingly. TIA
› report if inappropriate
 
Ola, MS 10/29/2008
Hi Colleen, do you mind sharing your beauty regimen with me? I watch you every single time you're on, your face just glows and I remember when you were on with Jennifer Flavin Stallone, you said you are in your late forties but girlfriend, let me tell you, you look like you just turned 40; so please, help a sister out!!!
› report if inappropriate
 
lois, IL 10/27/2008
hello-colleen,would you please help-me-as i want to order the jewelry-loop-or whatever it's called..it's a thing to-look threw to see the stones in jewelry-that i have seen you use before...???thank-you..keep-up the good-work colleen..we all enjoy you so-much...
› report if inappropriate
 
AZ 10/25/2008
Hi Colleen, I am a little sad that your Favorite things will be on during the week. I have class Wed. night and I will miss your show. I hope your shows are during the weekend better. I usually plan ahead to be home to watch your shows, even if it causes some fustration with my husband.
› report if inappropriate
 
Deborah, IL 10/22/2008
Colleen, I know each color of jade has a meaning. What does red jade signify? THANKS! Deborah
› report if inappropriate
 
DORA, IL 10/22/2008
Hi Colleen, I cant wait till November 12, for all those beautifull sweaters you wear. I love watching HSN but mostly when you are on there is just something about you that keeps me hooked to the televison. My mom does not speak english or understand it but she watches you also. I also would like to comment that when you do a jewelry show everything sells out right away because you do a great job and you know how to present it very well. Look forward to Nov. 12. Happy Holidays.
› report if inappropriate
 
10/21/2008
Hi Colleen: Gov. Palin has been wearing a very pretty set of earings, lately. It appears to be an emerald cut white topaz or white quartz on a shepherds hook. It is quite large, possibly 8 carets in each ear. I think that would make a beautiful earing for HSN to reproduce. If you get to see her one and only interview on CNN today, 10-21-08 you might get a glimpse of them. You are my favorite host. Zita in NJ
› report if inappropriate
 
lois, IL 10/20/2008
hello colleen,would you please bring back this 3-piece ring-set,by couture adriene's collectables..the item#is 343-129,price 59.95 i would like a size 7.there is only one left in a size 5...thank-you so,much...
› report if inappropriate
 
Ruthnane, CA 10/16/2008
Hi Colleen, I really enjoy watching you when your doing the jewelry. I have so much of it LOL but there is one item I still need. Some time back you were doing a show and one of the rings was a duplicate of your wedding ring I fell in love with it but lost the paper with the item number on it,my husband told me to write you and find out the number and order it for my birthday.
› report if inappropriate
 
Sue, CA 10/15/2008
Hi Colleen, I so enjoy your jewelry shows! I have 10 of your wonderful Prestige jewel boxes (yes, they are all full!) and wondered if HSN will have more in stock before Christmas? I would like some as gifts and also need another tall necklace box. (I went a little crazy when Jay King was on last week-end!) Thanks, Colleen, and keep up the good work.
› report if inappropriate
 
granny, IL 10/13/2008
thanks,colleen for being you,you are so very interesting and also you explain things so-well...could you please-help me in finding adrienes collectables???also please keep your sense of humor-you are a hoot to watch..again thank-you.i love the blue lapis necklace with the pink,clothing,also..
› report if inappropriate
 
Pam, MO 10/12/2008
Are you going to get more Prestige jewelry boxes? In particular, I have the older ones with a contrasting interior color that I now have filled and want more! They're great and I hope they're not gone because as of today there's not a single one available.
› report if inappropriate
 
lois, IL 10/12/2008
colleen i was watching your show with jay king,loved your show and jay king is so-very interesting.i have so many of his pieces,and i get so many compliments.but the blue-lapis,looks great with pink,as i didn't see you show it with pink.i wear it with the pinks and i get so many compliments.thank-you colleen.
› report if inappropriate
 
lois, IL 10/12/2008
thank-you colleen for answering my e-mail.i sure appreciate it,and yes im looking forward to your-show.could you tell me how i can get the adraine-3-piece-ring.as it looks like her jewelry is now called-couture jewelry.it was like 2,ring guards,and the stones went all the way around like ring,guards,in eternity,bands.it came in vermai,and silver gold..thank-you colleen.
› report if inappropriate
 
Lynn, CA 10/12/2008
You showcased a prestige jewelry box for large cuffs on one of your shows. It soldout before I had a chance to get one. I have looked online and have called customer service and they don't have it. When will it be available? I really need one. It had padded rolls for the cuffs.
› report if inappropriate
 
Joan, MI 10/12/2008
I have a marcasite ring that is tarnished badly. How do you clean marcasite, a lot of the cleaners do not recommend using on marcasite.
› report if inappropriate
 
gale 10/11/2008
Hi Colleen! I get such a kick out of watching you - esp. when you laugh. It always makes me start laughing too! The fishing line/wire comment by your producer was really funny to me because my husband once said the same thing a few years back about a necklace I was watching on your show. (Sometimes men have no taste.) Keep up the good work & keep us in stitches!
› report if inappropriate
 
Mae, OR 10/09/2008
Hi, Colleen, I want you to know what a joy you are!! You always brighten my day. I have 2 gorgeous rings coming I ordered today and can hardly wait to get them. Thanks for bringing so much beauty into our world.
› report if inappropriate
 
Betty, FL 10/09/2008
Hi Colleen I have been trying to write something for this blog and it won't accept so I better keep it short. Watch all my blog entries show up repetitively. haha I so adore you Colleen and I would love to have you find or design a big chunky blue lapis necklace for us. I love your CL by Design jewelry line. I own all of your bracelets.
› report if inappropriate
 
Liv, CA 10/09/2008
I just wanted to ask you about a cream color v-neck sweater,covered in what appeared to be aurora borealis color sequins you wore a couple of months ago during a show. I wanted to know if that item was up for sale at HSN or if you are planning to bring it to HSN in the future to a My Favorite Things show? Thank you for your time.
› report if inappropriate
 
sherri, CA 10/08/2008
In your October Program Guide on page two there is a flower ring in what looks like diamonds and rubies. It is your advertisement for Gem Month October 1-31. I am interested in the flower ring but there is no item number and I could not locate it on your site. Please inform me if this ring is available and if so what the item number is. Thank You!
› report if inappropriate
 
Maxine, CA 10/07/2008
Hi Colleen, I received your rock candy necklace in tourmaline and garnet. I was on waitlist for amethyst and iolite. They cancelled today. Will you be bringing them back anytime soon. They are quite lovely and I'm bumbed about the ones that were cancelled after 45 days on waitlist.
›